A wild tusker attacked a loaded bus full of terrified passengers and was chased down a narrow forest path by the enraged tusker. The drive was forced to be in reverse for eight kilometers with no way to back up along the winding path.
Wild Tusker Chases Loaded Bus
According to the Hindu, it was a terrifying situation in which any driver would sweat while driving in reverse with an enraged elephant chasing him intently. Ambujakshan, the driver, kept calm and tried to see if the vehicle could make a roundabout, but the road was too tight.
Next was a wild ride, and he escaped the huge tusker and jammed on the reverse for 8 kilometers in the tight forest path, as noted in the Deccan Herald.
The beast followed them all the while, and the driver had to pass sharp curves and bends on the winding road. But quick thinking and driving skills had kept 40 people on board safe. This interaction with one of the biggest land animals alive happened while the bus was on the Valparai route in Chalakudy last Tuesday. It was so surprising that the video of the harrowing bus trip made the rounds on social media.
One of the passengers on the terrifying bus ride recorded it with their mobile device; seen in the footage is the jumbo pacing the private bus. The menacing wild tusker caused panic and fear among the passengers on a loaded bus, as the beast could quickly destroy the vehicle in the narrow path.
Soon, all those riding the loaded bus at that very moment were pleading with the driver to do something fast. As there was no other option, they asked to drive in reverse.
Everyone on the bus witnessed the vehicle drive in reverse for the longest distance; they will remember a chase from Ambalapara to Anakkayam in reverse all the way. Oddly, the elephant did not lose interest that fast.
Local residents chimed in and informed us the elephant has caused edginess during some moments and has been visiting the place for two years. The bull tusker, called Kabali, is the lead character in the Rajinikanth-starrer movie.
Elephant Attacks in India, Zimbabwe
One of these individuals, Tinashe Farawo, had to inform the victim of an elephant-caused death; the victim, a 30-year-old farmer, was crushed underfoot, causing mutilation of the body, citing the BBC.
The victim's family was distraught at how their family member passed away. Many Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers are witnesses to the effects of negative interactions between humans and encroaching wildlife. The farmer crushed to death is one of only 46 people slain by wild animals in Mbire district, adding to the death toll in Zimbabwe.
The Hwange National Park in the northwest of Zimbabwe is a large reserve capable of supporting 15,000 elephants. But 55,000 people live in the reserve, and they go into areas where these animals roam in search of food and water. Large animals need vast sustenance and water, which impacts poor and struggling farmers.
Just like the wild tusker in India that chased a loaded bus through a narrow forest, any kind of uncontrolled contact can be dangerous to people.
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