Elephant Panics at Fireworks Display, Injures Several at Fair

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from video.

 

An elephant startled by fireworks at a fair in Nong Bua Lamphu, caused chaos on the event’s opening night, injuring five people as it ran through the crowd. The incident occurred on the evening of January 18 during the annual tribute event to King Naresuan the Great.

 

Witnesses reported that the elephant became agitated as fireworks were launched during the opening ceremony. In its panic, the animal ran through the fairgrounds, knocking over attendees and causing injuries. Emergency responders transported the five injured individuals to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital for treatment.

 

One of the injured, 51-year-old Yananee, a local resident of Na Klang District, recounted the terrifying moment. “I was walking with my family and carrying my grandchild when I heard people screaming. I turned around and saw a large elephant running towards me. I couldn’t move in time and was knocked over, injuring my ankle. Luckily, my grandchild was unharmed,” she said. Yananee and other injured attendees have since filed complaints with the local police.

 

The elephant, brought to the fair by its handler, 46-year-old Mr. Sanga from Surin Province, was part of a common practice where elephants are paraded at events to interact with the public and sell sugarcane. Mr. Sanga explained, “I brought the elephant to the event to earn a living. When the fireworks started, the animal got scared and ran. I tried to calm it down by pulling on its ears, but it didn’t stop.”

Footage of the incident, showing the elephant charging through the crowd and trampling adults and children, quickly spread on social media, with users sharing their shock and concern.

 

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine responsibility and ensure safety measures are implemented for future events. The fair is an annual tradition in Nong Bua Lamphu, but this year’s festivities have been overshadowed by the unfortunate incident.

 

-- 2025-01-19

 

 

[watchcat]

Fireworks!!!

[JimHuaHin]

Stupidity.