A mother in India was killed in a horrifying elephant attack while walking her children to their school bus stop, according to local reports.
The victim, identified as 36-year-old Mari, was walking with her son and daughter in Chinnakkanal village in Kerala on Monday, June 8, when they encountered a wild elephant and its calf.
Heavy rain and fog reportedly made it difficult for Mari to see the animals before the adult elephant attacked, according to reports citing the Kerala Forest Department.
The terrifying incident unfolded as Mari was taking her children to school.
A bystander heard the family’s cries during the attack and rushed Mari to a local hospital. She was later pronounced dead.
Mari’s 11-year-old son was seriously injured and taken to Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Her daughter escaped the attack unharmed.
The Kerala Forest Department said officials had been issuing regular alerts about elephant movement in the Suryanelli area through WhatsApp that morning before the deadly attack.
Mari’s death has sparked outrage among her family and locals, who are now demanding government assistance for her children and stronger safety measures to protect residents from wild elephants.
Her family reportedly refused to allow her body to be released for a post-mortem examination until their demands were addressed.
“My sister was attacked this morning. She has no husband and was raising two children alone. Who will take care of those children now?” Mari’s brother told The New Indian Express. “We will not allow the body to be taken away until a decision is made.”
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said the government would look into support for the grieving family.
“We need to ensure that the family receives proper care,” he told The Hindu. “Based on the department’s proposal, the government will take further steps.”
Officials said there are currently 17 elephants roaming in separate herds in the area.
Devikulam Range Officer Arun Kumar said the local rapid response team is being deployed to drive wild animals away from residential areas after the fatal attack.
“The RRT will remain stationed in the area from evening until 10 a.m. the next day,” Kumar said.
He added that the Munnar divisional forest officer has submitted a proposal to the Forest Minister regarding protection for Mari’s children.
The department also plans to strengthen alerts and monitoring of elephant movements in Chinnakkanal.
