A 22-year-old youth died following a collision involving a motorcycle, a safari jeep, and a wild elephant on the Dambulla-Habarana main road in Digampataha last night. Sigiriya Police confirmed the incident occurred as the vehicles traveled toward Habarana.

The victim is identified as R.A. Naveen Nipuna Samaradiwakara, a resident of Kimbissa, Digampataha. Two other individuals traveling in the safari jeep sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Dambulla Basic Hospital.

The incident took place near the 105th post in Digampataha. According to police reports, three relatives from the same family were traveling in the two vehicles. The motorcycle attempted to overtake the jeep just as a wild elephant began crossing the road, leading to both vehicles striking the animal in succession.

The wild elephant also sustained injuries in the impact and reportedly remained at the scene for a significant period. Police have notified wildlife officials to locate and examine the animal.

Post-mortem examinations for the deceased are set to take place at the Dambulla Hospital. Officers from the Sigiriya Police traffic department are conducting further investigations into the circumstances of the collision.