Keonjhar: The elephant calf that had sustained injuries Wednesday night after being knocked down by a truck on National Highway- 20 in Keonjhar district died Thursday.
According to Forest Department officials, the mishap took place Wednesday night in which two full-grown elephants died on the spot and a calf sustained grievous injuries after being hit by an iron-laden truck on the NH near Balijodi village under Ghatagaon forest range of Keonjhar district late Wednesday night. The herd was crossing the road at the time.
The driver of a speeding 14-wheeler truck which was en-route to Ghatagaon from Jajpur failed to spot the elephants on the road and ended up hitting them. The driver and his helper fled the scene following the accident.
On being informed, Forest Department officials reached the spot and seized the truck. They had also sent the injured calf for treatment. However, it died while under treatment Thursday morning.
The authorities have begun an investigation into the incident. Local cops are trying to trace the truck driver.
PNN