Elephant calf dies after being hit by a lorry in Galgamuwa

A two-year-old elephant calf has died after being hit by a lorry in the Galgamuwa, Mee Oya area on the Anuradhapura - Padeniya main road. Wildlife officials state that the accident occurred when a herd of wild elephants, which had come in search of food during the night and were returning towards the teak forest reserve, attempted to cross the road near the Galgamuwa bridge in the Alikela area, where elephant-human conflicts are frequently reported.

The elephant calf died on the spot after being hit by the lorry, which was traveling from Padeniya towards Anuradhapura. It is reported that although there were two people in the lorry at the time of the accident, they did not sustain any injuries. However, local residents have confirmed that the lorry did not stop after the accident and fled the scene.

The body of the elephant calf that died in the accident was found lying in the middle of the road, and officials from the Galgamuwa Wildlife Office have commenced further investigations into the incident. Wildlife authorities constantly urge drivers to be extremely cautious when traveling through areas frequently traversed by wild elephants, especially at night, and videos related to this accident are currently circulating online.