The Department of Railways has initiated an investigation to determine whether a train transporting fuel in the Minneriya, Rotawewa area of the Colombo-Batticaloa main railway line caused an accident that resulted in the deaths of two wild elephants and serious injuries to another.
An accident occurred yesterday (18th) at approximately 3:30 AM, resulting in part of the train derailing and significant damage to the railway line. The incident occurred near the 146.5-mile post, near Minneriya and Rotawewa.
An investigation has begun to explore allegations that the train was travelling 80 kilometres per hour at the time of the accident.
Residents report that elephants often roam in herds between the Minneriya Reserve and the Kaudulla Reservoir in search of water. A herd of elephants returning from this area was believed to be involved in the incident.
Due to wild elephants regularly crossing the railway line, a speed limit of 20 km per hour has been established in this area. However, the train allegedly exceeded this speed limit during the accident.
This area belongs entirely to elephants
Mr Chaminda Kumara, the Park Warden of Minneriya National Park, stated that drivers had been informed about the speed limit in the area, which is rich in elephants. He mentioned that this notification was given to drivers last month.
In a recent accident, a train transporting seven diesel and four petrol tanks overturned, spilling the contents of two tanks with a capacity of 45400 litres. All train services on that route were cancelled yesterday (18th).
A police officer from Minneriya, who is investigating the incident, stated that the train derailment caused a significant amount of fuel to be wasted. Specifically, a large quantity from the petrol tank was lost, and approximately half of the diesel fuel from a full tank leaked out.
A railway official informed that approximately two hundred concrete blocks under the railway tracks and three severely damaged rails were damaged in this accident.
In this context, V.S. Polwattage, the Additional General Manager of Railways, stated that a team has been appointed to investigate whether the train exceeded the speed limit.
He mentioned that accurate information regarding the train’s speed could be obtained by analysing the team’s data and the speed limits established for the various areas and sections.
He mentioned that the drivers must maintain a certain speed when operating the train along the hillside with seven oil tanks. If they go slower than this speed, they will not be able to carry the load through the mountainous terrain.
Therefore, he emphasised the need to investigate all aspects of this situation thoroughly. He also stated that the cranes required for the railway line’s repair work have been dispatched. Additionally, he noted that the derailment occurred yesterday (the 18th), and steps have been taken to repair the track.
The driver of the Meenagaya train stated
The train arrived from Galoya at 2:54 AM and reached our location around 3:10 AM. About 10 meters away from us, an elephant walked onto the railway track.
The brakes were applied to the maximum, but the elephant could not move in time, and the train struck it. Due to the accident yesterday (18th), residents were collecting fuel leaking from damaged fuel tanks.
Prioritise the protection of elephants
This incident is yet another case of the conflict between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka. Similar events have occurred, and we must not forget the number of wild elephants that have died due to such bleaching.
Humans and elephants are two species that belong to the natural world. Both have been granted equal rights by nature. However, as a collective group, humans have unjustly deprived other animals of these rights that nature intended for all.
Innocent animals in the forest have the right to live freely. Laws should be established to protect this right, and people must be encouraged to obey them.
