Elephant Crushes Tourist to Death During Safari Park Feeding in India

A 33-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu died Monday morning after being crushed by an elephant during a feeding session at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. The victim, identified as Tulasi, was visiting the park with her husband and child when the incident occurred.

According to the Indian Express, the tragedy unfolded while tourists were allowed to stand near the elephants and watch handlers feed and bathe them. Two male elephants, Kanchan and Martanda, suddenly began fighting. Despite staff efforts to calm them, Kanchan attacked Martanda, causing the larger animal to lose its balance and fall.

As the elephant toppled, Tulasi ran with other visitors but tripped and fell. The falling elephant landed on her, killing her instantly. Her husband and child escaped unharmed.

Karnataka’s Minister of Forests, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, has ordered a full investigation. He stressed that even well-trained elephants can be unpredictable and directed officials to ban visitors from touching elephant trunks, posing for close-up photos, or feeding them sugar, bananas, or any other food.

“We must take every measure to prevent such tragedies,” Khandre said. The park, known for its elephant interactions, now faces scrutiny over safety protocols as authorities work to ensure no visitor is put at risk again.