Wild Elephant Attack Causes Pilgrim Bus to Overturn, Injuring 25

A private bus transporting pilgrims overturned on the Kataragama-Buttala Road on September 3rd following an encounter with a wild elephant. The incident occurred around 11:00 AM near an electric fence checkpoint. Reports indicate the elephant approached the bus, leading the driver to lose control and the vehicle to veer off the road. Approximately 25 passengers sustained minor injuries, with some treated locally and others transferred to Hambantota General Hospital. Police have confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.