Rubber Tapper Survives Second Attack by Wild ‘Phu Wua’ Elephant

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A rubber tapper narrowly escaped death after being trampled by a wild elephant near Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary. The man, already injured, managed to hide behind a tree as the elephant attempted a second charge.

 

Mr. Salong Wongkaen, a 52-year-old resident of Ban Non Sa, Tambon Tha Dok Kham, Bueng Khong Long District, is recovering at Bueng Kan Hospital after sustaining severe injuries from the wild elephant attack on November 22. The incident occurred while Mr. Salong was tapping rubber in a plantation near Huai Hin Taek, close to Sri Phrom Cave, an emerging tourist attraction in Bueng Kan Province.

 

Doctors have treated Mr. Salong with external metal braces for his fractured leg bones and are monitoring his condition closely. His wounds are still bleeding, and he is receiving pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. The recovery process will take approximately two weeks before the external braces can be removed and replaced with internal fixation screws through surgery.

 

Recounting the ordeal, Mr. Salong said, “Around 07:00, I went to tap rubber with six workers. As we approached the plantation, we passed a dense forest. Suddenly, one of the 13 elephants in the area charged at us. Everyone scattered to escape, but I fell face down. The elephant, weighing an estimated 5-6 tons, trampled my right leg, causing immense pain. It stopped about 7-8 metres away, then turned back to charge again.”

 

Using his uninjured left leg, Mr. Salong managed to push himself behind a nearby tree just in time. “The elephant sped past me without returning. If it had, I’m certain I wouldn’t be alive today,” he added.

 

This is not the first time Mr. Salong has been attacked. In 2021, he was trampled by an elephant in the same area, fracturing his left leg. However, those injuries were less severe than this time.

 

Mr. Salong advised those working near areas frequented by wild elephants to remain vigilant. “If you know elephants are nearby, don’t provoke them by shouting or using firecrackers. This will only agitate them further. Observe their behaviour and flee quietly at the first opportunity.”

 

He emphasised the speed and danger of wild elephants: “Even if you think you’re fast, you can’t outrun them. One step of theirs equals 10 of ours. It’s like trying to escape a moving truck, you can’t.”

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-23