A 54‑year‑old woman was killed and 15 others injured when a van travelling from Polonnaruwa to Dehiattakandiya collided with a wild elephant in the Bandanagala area early this morning, the Police said.
The deceased was identified as a resident of Nagamuwa, Dehiattakandiya.
According to Siripura Police, the victims were part of a group of 16 relatives from Nagasthenna who had been returning home after a pilgrimage to Polonnaruwa. The accident occurred when the van struck an elephant attempting to cross the main road.
Among the injured were a five‑year‑old child and a 10‑month‑old infant. Ten of the injured were admitted to Dehiattakandiya Hospital, while those in critical condition were transferred to Polonnaruwa General Hospital.
Police confirmed that the woman succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. Investigations are continuing into the incident. (Newswire)