A 10-year-old elephant sustained multiple injuries when it hit by a State Express Transport Corporation bus here near Shoolagiri on Monday.
The accident took place on Krishnagiri-Hosur national highway in the early hours. The elephant, a makhna (tuskless), had crossed the highway after dismantling the median barricade.
The pachyderm walked out of the Chettipalli reserve forest and was crossing over to the Sanamavu reserve forest when it was hit by the bus.
The animal suffered abrasions on the body and legs and could not move one of its hind legs. The animal lay there for over three hours and the Forest department administered first aid and made arrangements to shift it. The results of X-ray were awaited.
Water was splashed on the elephant to cool it down and damp gunny sacks were placed on its body. The elephant was lifted to an open truck with a crane.
Accident-prone zone
According to sources, the bus driver was aware of the stretch and was reportedly within speed limits. Last year, a calf was fatally knocked down near Shoolagiri by a speeding car. The Forest department has put up small boards warning drivers of animal crossings.
However, accidents in highways by speeding vehicles have made locals wonder if the area needs floodlights to improve visibility for drivers. Earlier in the day, Chief Wild Life Warden V.K. Melkhani arrived to monitor thetreatment of the elephant.
The SETC bus from Kumbakonam to Bengaluru was carrying 43 passengers. The driver sustained a minor injury.
