3 Dead at Kerala Temple After 2 Jumbos Run Amok

At least three people, including two women, were killed and 24 others were injured in a commotion after two captive elephants, who were brought for a temple festival, ran amok allegedly after bursting of crackers near Koyilandy at Kozhikode district in Kerala on Thursday, officials aware of the matter said.

- Vishnu Varma

KOCHI:

The incident took place on the last day of the annual festival on the premises of the Manakkulanagara Bhagavathy temple in Kuravangad, they added.

"The elephants brought for the festival suddenly ran amok allegedly after hearing the loud sounds of firecrackers," said Rajeesh, a local municipal councillor.

"The incident took place around 6pm. The elephants were displayed for the 'seeveli' or evening procession when suddenly after hearing the sound of the firecrackers, one of them became aggressive and pushed the other elephant with its tusks. There was a brief scuffle between the two elephants and many people were pushed to the ground during the commotion. A temporary festival office that was erected also collapsed as the elephants pushed each other around," the councillor said.

He said it is not clear if the three people were trampled to death by the elephants or were killed in a possible stampede.

"Many have been grievously injured," he said.