An elephant startled by fireworks during a fair in Nong Bua Lamphu, northeastern Thailand, caused chaos on January 18, injuring five people as it bolted through the crowd on the event’s opening night. The incident disrupted the annual tribute to King Naresuan the Great, a celebration that typically draws large crowds.
The chaos began when fireworks and firecrackers were launched during the opening ceremony. Witnesses reported that the animal, brought to the fair by its handler, became visibly agitated before breaking free. It charged through the fairgrounds, knocking over attendees. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital for treatment.
Among the injured was 51-year-old Yananee, a resident of Na Klang District. Recalling the terrifying moment, she said, “I was with my family, holding my grandchild, when I heard people screaming. I turned to see the elephant running straight at me. I couldn’t move in time and was knocked down, injuring my ankle. Thankfully, my grandchild was unharmed.” Yananee and other victims have since filed complaints with the police.
The elephant’s handler, 46-year-old Mr. Sanga from Surin Province, had brought the animal to the fair as part of a common tradition where elephants interact with visitors and sell sugarcane. Explaining the incident, he said, “The fireworks startled the elephant. I tried to calm it down by pulling its ears, but it didn’t stop.”
Footage of the incident, capturing the elephant charging through the crowd and trampling adults and children, quickly went viral on social media. The videos prompted widespread concern about the use of elephants at public events.
Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine responsibility and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The annual fair, a long-standing tradition in Nong Bua Lamphu, has been overshadowed by the unfortunate event, raising questions about safety protocols at such gatherings.