DWLC to probe into Meenagaya train accident killing seven elephants

Friday, 21 February 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) said that it will carry out a full investigation into the railway accident that the Meenagaya intercity express train collided with a herd of seven elephants in Gal Oya area killing them all on 19 February around 11:30 p.m.

Issuing a statement DWLC Director General M. S. L. R. P Marasinghe said that immediately after seven elephants collided with the Meenagaya intercity express train, the officials of the Department of Railway, DWLC officials and the Police had taken necessary action and further investigations into the incident would be conducted.

The DWLC has confirmed that the herd of seven elephants included four calves and three adult she elephants, and they collided with the Meenagaya train, near the 140 km mark between Minneriya and Galoya railway stations.

In the accident, three baby elephants and two adult she elephants had died while another adult she elephant and a baby elephant were injured and are now being treated at the Girithale Wildlife Department by DWLC veterinary officers.