Elephant runs amok in Angamaly, tramples driver to death

KOCHI: A man was killed after being trampled by an elephant that ran amok in Angamaly, Ernakulam. The deceased has been identified as Vishnu, the driver of the vehicle that brought the elephant. The incident occurred when the elephant became uncontrollable and ran amok. Vishnu was trampled to death while trying to help restrain the animal. He died on the spot. A second mahout, Pradeep, sustained serious injuries and has been admitted to Little Flower Hospital.

The incident took place at Kidangoor Mahavishnu Temple. The elephant had been brought for a procession at a nearby temple. After being bathed, it was taken to the temple when it suddenly became aggressive and ran amok.

The elephant, named Mayyanad Parthasarathy, is from Mayyanad in Kollam. Eyewitnesses said the elephant had shown unusual behaviour even before it became violent. As the elephant ran wild, devotees and locals at the temple premises fled for safety. Several vehicles parked nearby were damaged. After about two and a half hours, a Rapid Response Team managed to tranquillise the elephant. It was shot with a tranquilliser dart in its hind leg.