Tragedy: 39-Year-Old Woman Killed by Wild Elephant While Mushroom Foraging in Phu Wua Forest
A 39-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan Province on May 10. Authorities are warning residents to take extra precautions when entering forest areas near wildli
A tragedy struck when a 39-year-old woman from Ban Na Jan was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while foraging for mushrooms in Phu Wua Forest. Authorities are warning residents who venture into forest areas to take extra precautions.
At 7:50 AM on May 10, 2025, rescue volunteers from the Saang Sri Wilai Foundation received a report from community leaders in Ban Na Jan, Bung Khla District, Bueng Kan Province about a fatal elephant attack in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary area, which borders the residential community. Rescue personnel from the Bung Khla station, along with volunteer responders, investigated the scene and found one female victim identified as Ms. Rungnapa (surname withheld), 39 years old, from Ban Na Jan.
According to interviews with family members, the victim had entered the forest to search for mushrooms with relatives when she encountered a wild elephant and was fatally attacked at the scene. Subsequently, rescue officials from Saang Sri Wilai, along with investigators from Bung Khla Police Station and emergency medical staff from Bung Khla Hospital, examined the scene and conducted a forensic autopsy before returning the body to Ban Na Jan for religious ceremonies.
Multiple rescue units from Saang Sri Wilai Foundation participated in the operation, including the headquarters and stations in Bung Khla, Sok Kam, and Muang Bueng Kan.
Authorities are urging residents who forage or conduct activities in forest areas adjacent to wildlife sanctuaries to exercise heightened caution, as large wild animals still inhabit these regions.
