Dhenkanal: A speeding truck rammed into an elephant calf, killing it on the spot, on the NH-55 near Jeevankhol Ashram under Sadar forest range in Dhenkanal district on Thursday.
The accident took place at an ‘Elephant Crossing Zone’ while a herd was crossing the highway around 5.30 am.
According to reports, the calf got stuck under the wheels of the vehicle and broke its tusk, which was found lying near the accident site. A tusker was also injured in the mishap. It is said to have run into the forest.
The driver of the truck fled the spot soon after the incident.
Speaking to media, Forester of Gadasila section Rabi Narayan Nayak said that the accident took place while they were helping a herd of elephants to cross the road. The truck was over-speeding, he added.
Locals, however, alleged that the forest officials did not respond to their calls after the incident.
