Keonjhar, July 24 (UDN): An eight-year-old wild tusker was injured after being struck by a pickup van while attempting to cross National Highway-20 near Badapashi under the Keonjhar Sadar Forest Range in the early hours of Friday.
According to forest officials, the incident occurred at around 3 am when a herd of six elephants, comprising an adult male, two female elephants and three calves, was crossing the busy highway.
The young tusker was hit by the speeding pickup van during the crossing, sustaining an injury to its right hind leg. The vehicle reportedly fled the spot after the collision, leaving behind its damaged front bumper, which was later recovered by forest personnel.
Forest Team Launches Immediate Rescue
Soon after receiving information, officials from the Forest Department rushed to the site along with veterinarians, a wildlife biologist and the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF). Vehicular movement on both sides of the highway was temporarily halted for nearly two hours to facilitate treatment and ensure the safety of both the injured elephant and the rest of the herd.
On examination, veterinarians found the tusker limping and unable to bear weight on its injured leg. However, officials said no major external injuries or visible fractures were detected.
The elephant was administered two doses of painkillers using air-dart injections to ease its discomfort.
Condition Stable, Recovery Under Observation
Forest officials said the tusker responded positively to treatment and appeared more active after receiving medication. The animal later moved nearly 100 metres into the adjoining forest, where it continues to be monitored by the department.
The Forest Department has also sought technical assistance from veterinary experts of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Nandankanan Zoological Park to ensure proper follow-up care.
Officials said the elephant is expected to recover gradually, while surveillance has been intensified in the area to monitor its health and prevent any further risk from vehicular movement.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over increasing human-wildlife interactions on highways passing through elephant habitats, prompting renewed calls for stronger mitigation measures to safeguard both wildlife and motorists.