Firefighter Critically Injured by Domesticated Elephant While Feeding Biscuits in Dibrugarh
A firefighter is currently battling for his life in a hospital after being brutally attacked by a domesticated elephant while attempting to feed it biscuits on Saturday morning in Dibrugarh, Assam. The victim has been identified as Lachit Kalita (32), a resident of Sipajhar and an employee at the Fire and Emergency Services station in Moran, Dibrugarh.
Details of the Terrifying Incident
The shocking incident occurred around 8 am near the fire station premises. According to eyewitness accounts and sources, Kalita approached an elephant that was tethered near the office out of affection and began feeding it biscuits. In a sudden and unexpected move, the animal wrapped its powerful trunk around the firefighter and crushed him, resulting in multiple severe rib fractures.
Colleagues who witnessed the horrifying attack immediately rushed to his aid and transported him to the Moran Health Centre. Following an urgent X-ray examination, doctors discovered that several of his ribs had been broken. Given the critical nature of his injuries, he was subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Dibrugarh, where he is currently receiving intensive care in the ICU.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
A colleague of the injured firefighter provided a detailed account of the sequence of events. "We had gone to have tea in the morning when we saw our colleague, Kalita, coming with biscuits in his hand. He went to feed the elephant that was tied up near the station out of affection. While he was feeding the biscuits, the elephant suddenly grabbed him with its trunk and crushed his chest, breaking his ribs. Somehow, he managed to pull himself away and was sitting on a chair in the office when we found him. He was facing difficulty in breathing. We immediately took him to Moran health centre, from where he was referred to Dibrugarh for advanced care. He is currently being treated in the ICU," the colleague recounted.
Community Shock and Aftermath
Local residents expressed profound shock over the incident, noting that despite being regularly tethered near the Fire Services office, the elephant had never displayed any aggressive behaviour towards anyone in the past. This unexpected attack has left the community bewildered and concerned.
Following the unfortunate attack, the elephant was promptly removed from the location by its Mahout to prevent any further incidents. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to this rare aggressive behavior from a typically docile domesticated elephant.
Kalita’s condition remains critical as doctors continue to monitor his progress closely. The medical team is providing comprehensive treatment to address his multiple rib fractures and other potential internal injuries sustained during the attack.
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even when domesticated, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining proper safety protocols when interacting with large animals. The firefighting community and local residents are praying for Kalita’s swift recovery while authorities review safety measures around domesticated animals in residential and institutional areas.
