A mahout and his assistant have died after being attacked by an elephant brought for the 78th Poson procession at the Sri Ubhayatilakārāma Temple in Rakwana, it was reported.
The Police said two elephants had been tied near the temple following the procession yesterday.
On Monday morning, the mahout’s assistant led one of the elephants to the Rakwana River to provide water, when the animal suddenly turned aggressive and fatally attacked him.
Hearing the cries, the mahout rushed to the scene but was also attacked by the elephant and died on the spot.
After the incident, the elephant is reported to have run into a nearby paddy field.
It is reported that Wildlife officers have since arrived at the location and are taking steps to tranquilize and capture the animal. (Newswire)