Three Dead, Dozens Injured as Elephants Run Amok at Kerala Temple Festival

A stampede and structural collapse followed after fireworks spooked two elephants during the festival's final day in Kozhikode.

Two elephants became aggressive after being startled by fireworks and loud music at the Manakkulangara Bhagavathi Temple in Koyilandy, Kozhikode district.
The chaos led to the death of three individuals—two women and one man—and left at least 35 others injured, with some suffering serious injuries.
A stampede ensued, and part of a temporary festival office collapsed, trapping several people beneath the debris.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences to the victims' families, while state officials initiated an investigation into potential violations of elephant management guidelines.
The incident has reignited debates about the safety and ethical concerns surrounding the use of elephants in religious festivals, which has been a contentious issue in Kerala.