Sri Lanka, June 1 -- A woman has died, and 15 others were injured after a van travelling from Polonnaruwa to Dehiattakandiya collided with a wild elephant.

The accident occurred early this morning (01) in the Bandanagala area, according to Siripura Police.

The deceased has been identified as R. B. Karunawathie (54), a resident of Nagamuwa, Dehiattakandiya.

Police said the group, consisting of 16 relatives residing in Nagasthanna, had been returning home after a pilgrimage to Polonnaruwa when the accident occurred.

The incident reportedly took place when a wild elephant attempted to cross the main road in the Bandanagala area and was struck by the van.

Among the injured are a 5-year-old child and a 10-month-old infant, the Police said...