Wild Elephant Attacks Bus Carrying Pilgrims, 10 Injured in Kataragama

Around 10 passengers were injured after a private bus carrying approximately 40 people overturned following an attack by a wild elephant on the Kataragama–Buttala Road on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at around 11 a.m. near an electric fence checkpoint within the Kataragama Police Division.

The bus was travelling towards Buttala after transporting a group of pilgrims from Chilaw to Kataragama when a wild elephant on the road suddenly attacked the vehicle, according to reports.

The driver reportedly lost control of the bus following the attack, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.

The injured passengers were admitted to Kataragama Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said none of them had sustained serious injuries.

Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.