Sita, a privately-owned elephant, was killed on the spot as a mini-lorry in which it was travelling overturned on Andipatti-Varushanadu Ghat Road at Ottanai near here on Sunday.
When the lorry approached a deep curve, the driver struggled to control it. In the impact of the jolt, the elephant stumbled and moved towards one of the sides of the vehicle. The lorry suddenly overturned throwing elephant on the metal barricade of road. The injured elephant died instantly. The mahout fled.
Crane and excavator were being brought to the spot.
Elephant owners have to obtain permission from the DFO before transporting them .
Investigation is on whether the owner of the elephantfollowed the instructions or not. .
