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Lightning Strikes and Kills Beloved Festival Elephant
4 Oct
Summary
- A 298cm tall captive elephant named Brahmadathan died instantly.
- The elephant was struck by lightning while in a shed on Sunday.
- Brahmadathan was a prominent figure at Kerala festivals for decades.
A shocking incident occurred on Sunday evening in Pala when a captive elephant, Pallattu Brahmadathan, was killed by a direct lightning strike. The 298cm tall elephant was in a shed at his owner's home when the electrical storm hit, causing fatal injuries.
Brahmadathan, who had been a part of Kerala's cultural landscape for over thirty years, was a well-known and popular figure. He famously carried the deity of Paramekkavu temple during the Thrissur Pooram and was a consistent presence at festivals across the state, loved by many.
Veterinary assistance was immediately sought, and a doctor confirmed the elephant's death. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, after which his tusks will be extracted and secured by the forest department. Brahmadathan was reportedly brought to Kerala from Bihar.
