Sundergarh: An elderly woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant while she was collecting firewood from Chudia forest under Rajgangpur sub-division of Sundergarh today.
According to sources, the deceased Abha Kerketa, a resident of Kumarkela village, had gone to the forest along with her husband to gather firewood when she was attacked by a wild elephant following which she died on the spot.
"My parents had gone to the forest to gather firewood when the incident happened. My father had immediately informed the villagers," son of the deceased Sanju Kerketa said.
After getting information, Forest Department officials reached the spot and recovered the body. Maldihi forest officials have assured that adequate compensation will be provided to the family members of the deceased.
"We had informed the villagers about the wild elephant yesterday night. The incident took place today morning around 10:00 AM. Initially Rs 20,000 will be given and later Rs 3.8 lakh will be provided as compensation," Forest official, Parmananda Patel said.