KOTA KINABALU: A nonagenarian died while his wife was seriously injured after they are believed to have been stomped on by elephants that encroached into their farm in Kampung Perpaduan, Begahak Scheme, on the east coast Lahad Datu district.
Lopis Jubin, 90, was killed on the spot during the attack that happened at about 10pm on Sunday.
His wife, Dalama Hamid, 61, has been admitted to Lahad Datu Hospital and her condition remains critical.
It is learned that the two victims were in a hut to keep watch on their farm when a herd of about 12 elephants encroached into it and started to forage in the area.
The couple immediately tried to flee the farm, where they were growing yam and sweet potatoes, but were chased by the animals.
It is believed that the elephants stomped on the couple.
Lopis was confirmed to have died due to severe injuries to his chest, eyes and hands while his wife suffered a broken back in addition to injuries to her left thigh and bruises on both hands.
Lahad Datu OCPD Asst Comm Dr Rohan Shah Ahmad confirmed the incident.
Lahad Datu Wildlife Department district officer Silvester Saiman said a team was despatched to the scene and confirmed that there were about 12 elephants in the herd that had attacked the couple.
He said there was evidence of damage to the hut as well as elephants footprints and foraging of the farm.
“There were also elephant footprints in the area of a small ditch where the two victims were kicked and stepped on,” he said.
Efforts to track down the herd are underway.
