Koyilandy: A hartal will be observed on Friday in nine wards of Koyilandy municipality as a mark of respect following the tragic incident in which three people lost their lives after two elephants ran amok during the Manakulangara temple festival at Kuruvilangad, Koyilandy. The hartal will take place in wards 17, 18, and wards 25 to 31.

The wards where the hartal will be observed include Kakrattukunnu, Aruvayal, Anela Kuruvangad, Kanayankod, Varakunnu, Kuruvangad, Manamal, Komathakara, and Kothamangalam.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem of the deceased will be conducted at 8 am. Forest Minister AK Saseendran has instructed the District Collector and Chief Conservator of Social Forestry, North Zone, to submit an emergency report regarding the incident.

The tragedy occurred during the festival at the Kuruvangad Manakulangara Temple. The incident took place around 6 pm on Thursday when a procession reached the temple. As fireworks were set off to welcome the procession, the unexpected blast provoked one of the elephants, causing it to attack another elephant in front of it. The elephant, injured from the surprise attack, then ran amok, sending people nearby into a panic.

In the ensuing confusion and stampede, three people were killed. The deceased were identified as Vettamkandi Thazhekkuni Leela (65), Vadakkayil Amukkutti Amma (70), and Rajan (67), all from Kuruvangad. Several others were injured, with eight in critical condition. According to the police, around thirty people were injured and were transported to Kozhikode Medical College and nearby hospitals.

The rampaging elephants also caused damage to the temple building, including the roof and office room. It is reported that many people were injured when parts of the building collapsed.

A similar incident involving an elephant rampage occurred at the same temple ten years ago.