Train Services Restored on Batticaloa Line After Fatal Elephant Accident

COLOMBO (News 1st): Train travel has been resumed on the Batticaloa railway line, following the fuel tanker train accident that occured yesterday, tragically claiming the lives of 2 wild elephants. 

Deputy General Manager of the Department of Railways M.J. Indipolage says that the railway tracks damaged in the accident were rerailed, and the railway track was fully repaired. 

Accordingly, train travel along the Colombo-Batticaloa railway line has resumed once again. 

Last morning, a devastating accident claimed the lives of two elephants after they were hit by a fuel tanker train travelling from Kolonnawa to Batticaloa.

The locomotive and four fuel tankers were also derailed.

Significant damage was inflicted on the railway line due to the collision.

The Department of wildlife says that an elephant calf that was also injured in the accident was released to the Minneriya nature reserve, after giving it medical treatment.