Baby elephant killed after being hit by SUV on Gerik-Jeli road

IPOH: A female elephant calf died in a road accident involving two vehicles along KM50 of the Gerik-Jeli road.

Gerik OCPD Supt Zulkifli Mahmood said they received information about the incident at 8.30pm on Sunday (April 14).

All passengers inside the sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the car sustained light injuries.

“The 35-year-old driver of the SUV, with two other passengers, aged 39 and 44, travelling from Pasir Mas in Kelantan towards Gerik had crashed into the elephant that was crossing the road.

“At the same time, the car’s 39-year-old driver, who was travelling with his wife and three children, hit the back of the SUV, and the impact resulted in the death of the elephant,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 15).

Supt Zulkifli added that all passengers only sustained light injuries.

He said the carcass of the elephant has been handed over to the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

“Motorists are urged to be more careful when driving on that road, as that stretch is known for wildlife crossings, especially elephants,” he added.