Elephants run amok just before Thrissur Pooram fireworks; 65 people injured in stampede

THRISSUR: Around 65 people were injured in a stampede after elephants ran wild during the procession of Thiruvambadi just before the Thrissur Pooram fireworks display. Six people were shifted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital for specialist treatment. None of them are in a critical condition.
Elephants Uttoly Raman and Vattamankavu Manikandan ran wild near CMS School at around 2 am on Wednesday. Manikandan was immediately restrained, but Uttoly Raman's running shook the Pooram grounds. The two elephants ran when the Panchavadyam of the Madathil Varavu reached in front of CMS School. Manikandan was restrained in front of CMS School. A major tragedy was averted as the elephant did not attack while running. People were crowded in Swaraj Round to watch the fireworks display as the Pooram moved towards Naikkanal.
When the elephant ran in the meantime, people, including women, ran for their lives. Those who ran after seeing the elephant coming were injured by falling and being trampled by others. Many had their limbs broken. Many people escaped by jumping over the barricades that were set up. It was a relief that the elephant was restrained quickly.
Uttoly Raman ran towards Pandi Samooha Road on M.G. Road. Minister K Rajan and Collector Arjun Pandian reached the hospital immediately after the incident. Minister Dr. R Bindu, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan, Cochin Devaswom Board President K Raveendran and Xavier Chittilappilly MLA visited the hospital.