Train invests a pack of elephants along the tracks, dramatic balance in Sri Lanka: 6 died

A serious railway accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday 20 February 2025 in Habarana, a city located about 180 km east of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. A passenger train in transit has invested a pack of eight elephants along the tracks, causing the death of six of themincluding three puppies, and the injury of two others. The impact was such as to cause the derailment of the convoyalthough fortunately no passenger on board was injured.

Local authorities and wildlife officials intervened immediately on the accident site to take care of the surviving elephants. The images spread by the media showed a touching scene: one of the injured animals He tried to assist a puppy in difficulty, wrapping him with his own trunk.

The accident turned on the debate again on growing problem of coexistence Between humans and wildlife in Sri Lanka. The country houses about 7,000 wild elephants, considered a cultural and spiritual symbol, in particular for the Buddhist tradition.

Only in 2023 about 450 pachyderms died

However, the progressive reduction of natural habitats and the expansion of human infrastructures led to an increase in the clashes between men and animals. In recent years, the loss of forests and the conversion of large areas in agricultural land have pushed More and more elephants to wander near streets and railways looking for foodincreasing the risk of accidents.

This episode was defined by the deputy minister of the environment, Anton Jayakody, as “the most serious in the recent history of the country“As regards railway accidents involving wildlife. To deal with the situation, the government has convened an emergency meeting with the aim of developing new mitigation strategies, including the installation of protective barriers, electrified fences and other deterrent measures to prevent elephants from crossing the railway tracks.

According to the Department for the conservation of wildlife, the conflict between humans and elephants caused the Death of about 450 pachyderms and 150 people in 2023. The previous year, the number of deceased elephants was slightly lower, but the trend remains worrying. Since 2015, it is estimated that approximately 3,500 elephants died In Sri Lanka due to direct conflicts with man or accidents related to urban development. It is therefore essential to find a balance between the conservation of wildlife and public safety to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated.