Batticaloa-Colombo Train services restored after collision with elephants

Following a deadly train collision with a herd of elephants at the 146 1/2 milepost, between the Hingurakgoda and Minneriya railway stations, the damaged railway line was partly restored after 24 hours, with the Department of Railways resuming train services from Batticaloa to Colombo on Friday morning (18).

The Department of Railways said that the repair work would continue for about a week to completely remove the oil tanks that derailed.

The accident resulted in the death of two elephants and injured several others. A team of Wildlife officials were deployed to provide medical care to the injured elephants.

The accident occurred around 3.10 am on Friday (18) while transporting 7 fuel tanks, including 4 diesel tanks and 3 petrol tanks. The Minneriya Police confirmed that 2 petrol tanks, each with a capacity of 45,400 litres, had overturned.

The Department of Railways has imposed speed restrictions for trains travelling between Colombo and Batticaloa, ensuring that trains pass through the accident site at reduced speed for safety.

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