Elephant Deaths Prompt Investigation into Train Speed

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Railways said that it initiated an investigation into the incident where two elephants were killed after being struck by a fuel transport train. 

Deputy General Manager of Railways, N.J. Edipolage, stated that the investigation will determine whether the train was traveling at excessive speed at the time of the collision.

The incident occurred early this morning between Gal Oya and Higurakgoda, causing the train to derail. 

The Anuradhapura Railway Control Room reported that the engine and four fuel tankers derailed due to the collision.

The collision resulted in the death of two elephants, while several others fled the scene. 

The train driver, M.D. Jayalath, described the incident, "We left Gal Oya at 2:54 AM. Around 3:10 AM, a herd of about twenty elephants suddenly appeared on the tracks. We were about ten meters away and had no time to react. Despite applying emergency brakes, we couldn't avoid the collision. Four elephants were hit, and the train derailed," he added.

This train had eight tankers, three carrying petrol and five carrying diesel, each with a capacity of 50,000 liters. 

Two petrol tankers overturned, spilling some fuel, said the train driver, adding that the guard's compartment also derailed.

Due to the derailment, the Department of Railways has canceled four train services, including the Pulathisi Express scheduled to depart for Batticaloa at 3 PM today.