An elephant runs amok during Thrissur Pooram in the early hours on Wednesday (April 7, 2025)
| Photo Credit: special arrangement

As many as 42 people were injured when an elephant went on a rampage during Thrissur Pooram celebrations in the early hours on Wednesday (April 7, 2025). The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Pandi Samooha Madam Road, adjacent to Swaraj Round, as hundreds had gathered to witness the grand fireworks display of Pooram.

The elephant, Uttoly Raman, one of the parading elephants of Thiruvambady Devaswom, suddenly turned aggressive and ran amok. Panic ensued as people scrambled for safety. The elephant squad quickly intervened and managed to bring the elephant under control.

All injured were rushed to the Thrissur District Hospital, with three individuals requiring advanced care shifted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital. Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who was present at the Pooram venue, led rescue operations.

In a separate incident on Tuesday night, another elephant, Chirakkara Sreeraman, part of the procession of Karthyayani Temple, Ayyanthole, attacked its mahout. The elephant was later tranquillised by veterinary experts, and the injured mahout was hospitalised.