10-year-old elephant killed while crossing highway

The elephant carcass will be sent for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.

IPOH: A 10-year-old elephant was killed when it was crossing the road at KM60 of the Gerik-Jeli Highway in Gerik, some 130km from here early Wednesday.

Perak Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director Loo Kean Seong said state officers rushed to the scene at around 9am after they were informed of the 5.30am incident.

"The elephant was hit by a tour bus when it was crossing the road and it was already dead by the time we arrived at the scene.

"Fortunately, the bus driver stayed at the scene and we questioned him for details," he said, adding that none of the bus passengers or the driver were hurt.

Loo said that the stretch of highway was located near a forested area, which is the habitat of elephants.

"They would be roaming around the area at any time of the day, so motorists must be careful and drive cautiously when using the highway. Please avoid speeding," he added.

The elephant carcass will be sent for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.