Batticaloa train derailed after knocking elephants to death

• Trains on the Batticoloa-Colombo line temporarily suspended

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama 

Three elephants died yesterday morning after being knocked down by a speeding train on the Batticaloa-Trinco-Colombo railway line near the Hatares Kotuwa area between Habarana and Gal-Oya stations, the Railway Department said.   They said the intercity train ‘Pulathisi’ which knocked the animals to death, derailed after the accident took place early last morning.   

The train had left the Batticoloa Railway Station at 1.30 am and met with this tragedy at 5.05 am near the Hatares Kotuwa area. The locomotive and another carriage were derailed following the incident.    As a result, trains on the Batticoloa-Colombo line have been suspended temporarily, and repair work to the track is now in progress, the railway department further said.