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Tengrinews.kz – A train carrying thousands of gallons of fuel collided with a herd of wild elephants in Sri Lanka and derailed, killing several animals, according to Independent.
The collision occurred about 200 kilometers from Colombo, in Minneriya National Park area. The train driver said that a herd of 20 elephants suddenly appeared on the tracks almost in front of the train.
"There was about 10 meters between us. So, we couldn’t do anything. We pressed the breaks to their maximum capacity, but there was nothing much we could do. At least four elephants were knocked down and the train had derailed," the conductor said.
According to authorities, the train consisted of eight 50,000-liter tankers, five of which contained diesel fuel and three contained gasoline. Two of the gasoline tanks derailed during the collision with the elephants, which led to a significant leak and serious damage to the tracks. The regional authorities were forced to suspend train traffic on this line.
Two elephants died in the accident, and a third was seriously injured, but was returned to the herd after receiving veterinary care. None of the workers on the train were hurt, and the driver was also unharmed.
Minneriya National Park attracts thousands of tourists every year who dream of seeing elephants in their natural habitat. The park is part of the "elephant corridor", allowing for year-round observation of the giants.
In recent years, collisions between trains and elephants have become more frequent in Sri Lanka, when the animals try to cross the railway tracks in search of food and water. According to government statistics, seven elephants have died due to train collisions this year, and 24 in 2023.
"They are increasingly vulnerable because of the loss and degradation of their natural habitat and many venture closer to human settlements in search of food. Some are killed by poachers or farmers angry over damage to their crops," the Department of Wildlife said.
By the way, elephants in Sri Lanka are on the verge of extinction. Their population has significantly decreased over the past hundred years.
