A wild elephant was hit by the night mail train traveling from Trincomalee to Colombo on Wednesday night (3) in Puwakpitiya, Habarana. The incident occurred between Habarana and Palugaswewa. 

According to a Wildlife Conservation officer, the elephant involved in the collision is estimated to be around 20 years old. The elephant’s front right leg was broken due to the impact and was found lying near the railway track. 

Residents of the area stated that the railway line at that location offers a clear view for a long distance, and they allege that the driver’s negligence may have caused the accident.

Wildlife Conservation officers stated that treatment for the injured leg was to be initiated yesterday (4) by the veterinary unit in Pandulagama.

It is suspected that the elephant was trying to cross the railway line from the Hurulu Forest Reserve in Habarana to the Puwakpitiya village when the accident occurred.