Keonjhar, Jul 24: A young wild elephant was injured after being struck by a pickup van while crossing National Highway-20 near Badapashi under the Keonjhar Sadar Forest Range in Odisha during the early hours of Friday. Forest officials have launched a rescue and monitoring operation, with experts expressing hope that the animal will recover.The accident took place at around 3 a.m. when a herd of six elephants, including an eight-year-old male tusker, two adult females and three calves, was crossing the highway. The speeding pickup van hit the male elephant, causing injuries to its right hind leg.Forest officials said the tusker was found limping and unable to put full weight on its injured leg. However, veterinary examination revealed no major external injuries or visible fractures. The damaged front bumper of the pickup van was recovered from the roadside, confirming the impact of the collision.Following the incident, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), accompanied by veterinarians, a wildlife biologist and an Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), rushed to the spot to assess the animal’s condition. Traffic on both sides of the highway was temporarily suspended for nearly two hours to ensure the safe movement of the elephant herd and facilitate treatment.Veterinarians administered two doses of painkillers through an air-dart to the injured tusker. Officials said the elephant responded well to the treatment and appeared more active afterward. Experts from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Nandankanan Zoological Park have also been consulted to assist in its treatment and recovery.According to the Forest Department, the injured elephant has now moved nearly 100 metres inside the adjoining forest, where it is being closely monitored by wildlife personnel. Officials remain optimistic that the tusker will make a steady recovery while surveillance in the area continues to ensure its safety.
Young tusker injured after being hit by pickup van while crossing NH-20 in Keonjhar
