Elephant killed, calf injured in train collision

An elephant was killed and her calf sustained serious injuries after they were struck by a train at Wedithibbagala in Poonewa, Medawachchiya last night. 

The train had been heading to Jaffna from Matara at the time the incident occurred. The female elephant had been killed instantly by the impact and her body had been flung onto the Wedithibbagala tank. Her calf, who was also seriously injured, had also fallen into the tank. 

The deceased elephant is estimated to be about 30 years of age while the elephant calf is about four months. 

A rescue operation was mounted this morning by wildlife officials and area residents to save the injured elephant calf. The rescue was complicated as the injured calf had dragged itself towards the middle of the tank. 

However, after much effort, the calf was brought to the bank and treated for its wounds. It will now be transported to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. 

Story and Pix by Romesh Madhusanka

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