Tourist killed after getting caught in clash between 2 elephants in Karnataka

A tourist from Tamil Nadu died after two captive elephants clashed at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu. The accident has prompted an inquiry and renewed concerns over visitor safety during close-contact activities.

In Short

• Officials said the tourist was watching elephants being bathed near the riverbank
• Mahouts tried repeatedly to control the elephants as tensions escalated
• A government release said one of the elephants charged, causing the other to lose balance

A 33-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died in a tragic accident after being trapped under an elephant during a sudden clash between two captive elephants. The incident happened at the famous Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Tulasi, who had reportedly visited the popular elephant camp as a tourist. According to forest officials, she was standing near the riverbank watching elephants being bathed when the incident occurred.

Officials said the mishap took place during the routine bathing session of captive elephants at the camp. Two elephants, identified as Kanchan and Marthanda, suddenly turned aggressive and began fighting with each other.

Despite repeated efforts by mahouts to control the animals, the situation quickly escalated. According to a government press release, elephant Kanchan allegedly charged towards Marthanda during the clash. In the ensuing commotion, Marthanda reportedly lost balance and fell.

Tulasi, who was standing nearby, got trapped beneath the elephant and suffered fatal injuries. She died on the spot before rescue teams could reach her.

The incident triggered panic among tourists and staff present at the camp, following which forest department officials and local authorities rushed to the scene.

The Dubare elephant camp, located along the banks of the River Cauvery, is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is known for elephant interaction activities, including feeding and bathing sessions supervised by mahouts and forest personnel.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the victim’s family.

Forest department officials said a detailed inquiry has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the accident and safety protocols at the tourist facility are also likely to be reviewed.

The incident has once again raised concerns over tourist safety at wildlife interaction centres and the unpredictable behaviour of captive elephants, especially during close-contact public activities.

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