18 wild elephants killed in lightning strike in Assam

At least 18 wild elephants were found dead atop Bamuni Hills in Assam's Nagaon district. Preliminary investigation into the deaths by the forest department has revealed that the wild elephants could have been killed in lighting strikes.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahay told media the Chief Wildlife Warden and DFO (district forest officer) were ‘dispatched to the area and they will conduct an investigation to ascertain what led to the deaths of the 18 wild elephants’

Assam Environment and Forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya has said he is "deeply pained" by the incident. Suklabaidya said he would be visiting the spot to take stock of the situation.