Night Mail Train Plunges Off Track After Elephant Collision

Early this morning (17), the No. 943 Night Mail train, operating the Colombo–Trincomalee route, derailed near the 151st milepost in Kitulutuwa following a collision with a wild elephant.

Eyewitnesses and reporters on the scene, confirmed that the elephant died instantly. The impact caused parts of the animal’s limbs to become trapped in the train’s engine, leading to the derailment.

Officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation noted that the elephant had been moving from the Kaudulla Reserve toward the Somawathiya Reserve when it was struck. Authorities estimate the animal was around 15 years old and approximately seven feet in height.

The incident has raised concerns about train-wildlife encounters in the region, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by elephants crossing railway tracks. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the accident are currently underway, and railway authorities have begun assessing damage to the train and track infrastructure.