Elephant rescued from deep well in Odisha’s Keonjhar after 6-hour operation; 3 injured in aftermath

An elephant that had fallen into a deep well in Banajodi village under Sadar Block in Odisha's Keonjhar was successfully rescued after a six-hour-long operation by the Forest Department early Thursday morning.

The animal had reportedly strayed into the area in search of food when it accidentally fell into the well. Forest personnel, with the assistance of a JCB machine and Fire Services teams, carried out the challenging rescue. As the well was deep, a 10-foot trench was first dug to create an access path before water was pumped into the well to facilitate the operation.

Six-Hour Rescue Operation

Officials said the well had to be partially broken open using a JCB machine to ensure the safe extraction of the elephant. The coordinated effort by the Forest Department and Fire Services continued for nearly six hours before the animal was finally brought out.

On Wednesday night, three elephants had reportedly separated from their herd, and one of them fell into the well, triggering the rescue mission.

Elephant Runs Amok, Three Injured

After being rescued, the elephant moved towards the forest but created panic on the village road along the way. It reportedly struck and damaged whatever came in its path with its legs and trunk. During the commotion, three local residents sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital.

The well reportedly belongs to a family that has a wedding scheduled for the next day. The family expressed happiness over the incident, considering the elephant’s arrival as auspicious and symbolic of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.