A 69-year-old man was killed after being attacked and trampled by an elephant while he was at a palm oil plantation in Ladang Begahak 2, Jalan Tungku, on Sunday afternoon.
In the incident at about 2pm, the victim was with his 38-year-old son when the tragedy occurred as they were closing a gate before heading home. The son managed to escape and called for help while attempting to distract the animal.
Lahad Datu Deputy District Police Chief, Superintendent Jimmy Panyau, said initial investigations found that the father and son were attacked suddenly by a lone elephant while working in the plantation.
He said the victim was unable to escape in time and was trampled by the animal, while the elephant later left the scene on its own. Authorities confirmed that the elephant was not part of a herd.
After the animal moved away, the son returned to the scene and rushed his father to Lahad Datu Hospital, but he was later pronounced dead by medical officers.
A post-mortem examination found fractures to the victim’s lower leg and ribs. Police have classified the case as sudden death (SDR) and urged witnesses to come forward to assist investigations.
Authorities have also advised residents in the Tungku area to remain cautious due to the presence of wild elephants in the vicinity, stressing the importance of vigilance when working near plantation zones.
