The Batticaloa-Colombo train, Meenagaya, collided with a herd of elephants at Gal Oya this morning (20), resulting in the tragic death of six elephants, Sri Lanka Railways confirmed. Two more elephants are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.

The collision also caused the train to derail, disrupting services on the Batticaloa railway line. As a result, train operations have been limited, and the Pulathisi train scheduled to run from Batticaloa to Colombo has been cancelled, according to the Railway Department.

Meanwhile, efforts to rerail the locomotive engine are already underway.