Train knocks down two elephants
AUG
11
2016
0
An elephant died and an elephant calf was injured after being knocked down by a train at Poonewa in Medawachchiya on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 8.45pm at the 234 kilometer post along the Northern railway line when a herd of elephants were crossing the track. The elephants were thrown into the Poonewa tank by side of the track.
The Medawachchiya police arrived at the scene after alerted by the Medawachchiya Station Master. The Wildlife officers of Anuradhapura and Horowpothana headed by veterinary surgeon Chandana Jayasinghe and NCP Wildlife Assistant Director W S Weragama arrived at the scene , the following morning. After hours of sweat, the calf was taken out of the marsh. It was transported to Horowpothana holding ground. Veterinary Surgeon Chandana Jayasinghe said the calf, two and a half years old, is in a critical condition.
