A train carrying thousands of liters of fuel collides with a herd of wild elephants in northeastern Sri Lanka. The animals were suddenly about to jump out onto the tracks. – There was nothing that could be done, – explained the driver. Similar incidents are occurring more and more frequently in the country, and elephant numbers are plummeting.
The clash occurred in the city of Minneriya, about 200 kilometers from Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. Drivers reported that a herd of about 20 elephants suddenly rushed onto the tracks. – We were about 10 meters away. We hit the brakes as hard as we could, but nothing could be done. A railway official said in an interview with The Associated Press that at least four elephants were knocked to the ground.
See: South Africa: Elephant attacks tourists. The animal was scared away by the guide
The train consisted of eight tankers, five of which carried diesel oil and one carried gasoline. Each had a capacity of approximately 50,000 liters. As a result of the collision, two wagons derailed and some of their contents spilled onto the road. Due to extensive damage, railway service in this section was suspended.
In addition to the driver, there were two railway employees on board the train. There were no injuries. Two elephants were killed and one was injured in the accident. They were treated and returned to the herd.
Sri Lanka. The elephant ran into the train. This is not the first time such an accident has occurred.
Collisions between elephants and trains have been on the rise in Sri Lanka in recent years. Seven elephants died in collisions this year, and 24 elephants will die in 2023. It is estimated that the number of these animals has declined from about 14 to 6,000 since 2000.
Elephants have been found attempting to cross railway lines in search of food and water as their natural habitat continues to shrink due to the expansion of agricultural land and infrastructure. Many of them approach human settlements and become prey to poachers and farmers who fear their crops.
See also: Thailand: Elephants attack vehicles on road. they are running away from the fire
Efforts are being made to prevent such tragedies. Programs are being created to create corridors for elephants, educational activities are being carried out to raise public awareness, and modern methods of monitoring animal movements are being introduced.
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