Elephant loses control during photo session in Thrissur, leaves trail of damage

An elephant ran amok in Kerala’s Thrissur on Saturday morning, damaging several vehicles and residential properties and triggering panic near the Vadakkumnathan Temple area.

The elephant, identified as Shivalakshmi Ayyappan was brought to Thrissur from Kollam, went out of control during a photo session outside the temple and ran for several kilometres. The jumbo damaged house gates, compound walls and multiple vehicles, including cars and autorickshaws, as it moved through residential colonies.

According to the eyewitnesses, the animal became agitated near the South Gopuram entrance of the temple during the photo session, after which it suddenly charged through nearby streets, causing widespread panic.

The officials said that at least two houses were damaged and more than six vehicles were destroyed.

According to the reports, a woman, identified as Sangeetha, who was inside a car at the time, narrowly escaped after the elephant lifted and toppled her vehicle. She later said locals pulled her out after the animal moved away.

The elephant also sustained injuries and was seen bleeding from its ear before being brought under control after nearly an hour-long operation. Mahouts later managed to restrain it by chaining its hind legs, though it remained unsettled for some time.

Forest and police officials, including MLA Rajan Pallan and DFO Joseph Thomas, reached the spot to assess the situation. An elephant squad was later deployed to bring the situation under control, with officials also considering the use of tranquiliser darts if required.

State Minister for Youth Welfare, Sports and Registration OJ Janeesh said instructions were issued for immediate intervention and that senior forest officials would assess the damage for compensation purposes.

He added that officials would document losses before determining compensation, while urging restraint in handling the situation.

Local leader B Gopalakrishnan demanded that the elephant not be removed until assurances on compensation were provided, leading to a brief exchange with the minister at the site.

Officials confirmed that the elephant has since been brought under control, while damage assessment is underway.

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