Accident Woman Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant While Foraging for Mushrooms

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A 52-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, marking the first fatal elephant attack in the area this year. The incident occurred as the victim was foraging for mushrooms with family members and fellow villagers in a forested area near Ban Phu Ngern, Baan Tong subdistrict, Seka district, Bueng Kan province.

 

The head of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, Mr. Wisanu Kumphao, received a report from the Chanaen Forest Protection Unit, regarding the fatal elephant encounter. Authorities from Sok Kam Police Station, sanctuary officials, local rescue teams, and hospital staff were dispatched to the scene.

 

The deceased, later identified as Ms. Khunanya, had entered the protected forest area early in the morning with her husband, daughter, and a group of villagers to search for wild mushrooms.

 

According to a heart-wrenching account given by the victim’s daughter, who witnessed the incident, the attack occurred around 06:00. She described walking just 4–5 metres behind her mother when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the trees and charged directly at her. The elephant reportedly trampled Ms. Khunanya while emitting a single loud cry. The daughter said she heard her mother scream twice before she was fatally crushed.

 

Panicked and unable to help, the daughter hid behind a nearby tree and attempted to scare the elephant away by lighting firecrackers. The elephant eventually retreated into the forest, allowing her to rush to her mother’s side, only to find that she had already succumbed to her injuries. The daughter then ran to seek help from other villagers.

 

Rescue personnel later retrieved the body from the forest and transported it down from the mountainous area of Phu Wua for examination by the on-duty physician at Seka Hospital.

 

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved when entering protected forest areas, especially during the mushroom-gathering season when human–wildlife encounters tend to increase. Local authorities are urging villagers to exercise extreme caution and to coordinate with wildlife officials when entering such areas.

 

Wild elephants are known to roam the region and although usually peaceful, they can become aggressive if startled or if they feel threatened. Conservation officers are continuing to monitor elephant activity in the area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-20.