A woman has died and another person was critically injured following a wild elephant attack in Thirappane, Anuradhapura.
CCTV footage captured the moment two elephants charged at villagers after residents attempted to chase the animals away by firing at them.
The elephants had reportedly strayed from the forest and remained near a reservoir close to Mahawewa, on July 25.Â
When a group of residents attempted to drive them back into the wild, one of the elephants charged, fatally injuring a 24-year-old woman and seriously wounding another individual who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
A spokesperson for the Department of Wildlife Conservation said the incident occurred without the assistance of wildlife officers.Â
CCTV footage shows an individual, not affiliated with the department, opening fire at one of the elephants during the attempt to chase them away.
Legal action will be taken against the person involved in the shooting, authorities said. (Islandnews)
Viewer discretion advised: A woman has succumbed to injuries after a wild elephant attack reported in Thirappane, Anuradhapura. The elephants charged at the villagers, following attempts to shoot at the animals and chase them back into the wild. Another individual has been… pic.twitter.com/T1jCszWE6H
— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 1, 2025
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