Train services between Colombo Fort and Batticaloa have resumed today after the tracks were cleared following a fuel train derailment near the Minneriya Rotawewa area yesterday. The derailment occurred when the train collided with a herd of wild elephants, tragically killing two and seriously injuring another.
Six daily trains operate on this route, but all services were suspended after the accident, which involved a train transporting fuel from the Kolonnawa petroleum storage terminal to Batticaloa. The collision occurred between Minneriya and Higurakgoda stations.
Sri Lanka Railways stated that the train could not be re-railed until the fuel was safely removed from the affected tanks. The Deputy General Manager (Traffic) of the Railway Department, N.J. Indipolage, confirmed that once this process was completed, the train was restored to the tracks.
An investigation has been launched to determine whether the train was traveling faster than the regulated 20 km per hour, which is required in areas known for elephant crossings. Authorities are assessing whether the driver adhered to these speed limits, as the area has warning signs to protect wildlife.
