Rampaging elephant injures man during temple festival in India

A temple festival in the Indian state of Kerala turned chaotic when a 26-year-old man was seriously injured after a rampaging elephant attacked him, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday. 

A video of the shocking incident has since gone viral on social media.

According to Indian media, the incident occurred during the Valiya Vilakku festival at the Anamanda Mahadeva Temple, where devotees had gathered for the annual celebrations.

In the viral footage, the elephant can be seen standing while a man climbs onto its back and another approaches nearby.

Suddenly, the elephant lunged, wrapping its trunk around the man’s legs, lifting him into the air, and violently throwing him away.

Following the attack, temple authorities temporarily suspended festival rituals and confined the elephant within the temple premises to prevent further harm.

Officials noted that elephants can become agitated by loud noises, drums, music, and festive decorations, urging caution during such events to ensure the safety of both devotees and animals.