Train Services Affected by Elephant Collision

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Sri Lanka Railways experienced two separate incidents involving wildlife and vegetation on Thursday morning, affecting train services.

A wild elephant collided with the Colombo-Trincomalee night mail train between Kekirawa and Horiwila stations. 

Although the Railway Control Room confirmed no disruption to train services, the unfortunate consequence was the death of the elephant.

The second incident occurred near Medawachchiya, where a branch from a tree struck the Jaffna-Colombo night mail train during the early hours. 

The impact injured the train driver, who was subsequently admitted to the Anuradhapura Hospital for treatment. Additionally, the locomotive sustained damage in the collision.

Railways Superintendent N.J. Indipolage reported that a replacement engine was deployed to allow the train to continue its journey.