In a tragic incident during a merit ceremony in Bueng Khan, a northeastern province of Thailand, a young elephant became agitated, resulting in the death of one woman and leaving two others seriously injured.

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The incident took place during a traditional merit-making ceremony, a common Buddhist practice where locals gather to make offerings and prayers. The young elephant had been brought to the event, which is customary in some rural areas of Thailand as elephants are considered auspicious animals and are often included in local festivities.

Witnesses reported that the elephant, likely agitated by the noise and large crowd, became uncontrollable. The elephant reportedly charged toward the attendees, knocking down and trampling three individuals before mahouts and bystanders could intervene.

Woman killed by elephant at kathin ceremony https://t.co/EuoabiAQrH

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A woman, in her 50s, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Two other individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries, and their conditions remain critical.

Handlers eventually managed to calm and restrain the elephant, though not before the tragic loss of life and injuries occurred.

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Local authorities are conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the elephant’s behavior, including whether proper safety measures were in place. They are also assessing the handling and training practices of the elephant involved.

-Thailand News (TN)