Story By: Joseph Golder / newsX
This is the moment an elephant that had been trained to track down tigers escapes its handler and runs into busy traffic after being startled by a wasp sting.
The incident took place in Gundlupet, in the state of Karnataka in India, on Friday, 7th November.
Video shows the elephant charging through a crowded bus depot as startled motorists and pedestrians flee to safety.
A man on a motorbike can be seen abandoning his vehicle and running as the animal moves towards him.
The elephant had reportedly been brought in by the Forest Department to assist in tracking a tiger in a nearby village.
Officials said the animal lost its way and entered the town after being bitten by a wasp, which left it distressed and disoriented.
Witnesses said panic spread as the elephant passed close to the main bus stand and the local police station.
Forest Department officer Shivakumar from the Baper range said the elephant had accidentally entered Gundlupet after losing direction.
He added: “Efforts are being made to capture and control the animal. It has now moved toward Madahalli, and no harm has been caused to the public.”
Teams of forest officials and mahouts were deployed to track and calm the elephant before returning it safely to the forest area.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert and avoid forested areas until the animal was brought under control.
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