Night Mail train derails after colliding with elephant

The No. 943 Night Mail train, which was on its way from Colombo to Trincomalee, derailed early this morning (17) close to the 151st milepost in Kitulutuwa after hitting a wild elephant. The elephant was reported dead at the site, according to an Ada Derana reporter. Reports indicate that the train derailed when the locomotive struck the elephant, causing parts of the animal’s limbs to get stuck in the engine. Wildlife officials mentioned that the elephant was moving from the Kaudulla Reserve to the Somawathiya Reserve when the accident occurred. The elephant, estimated to be around 15 years old, was approximately seven feet tall.