Nine Chinese tourists were injured on Saturday evening during a show at the Chiang Mai Night Safari when a startled elephant ran into the crowd, leaving two people with broken legs.

The incident happened at around 6.30pm as over 100 tourists had gathered to watch a new show at the popular tourist attraction.

During the show eyewitnesses say the elephant was startled by a lion and it’s mahout couldn’t keep the animal under control as it ran into spectators, trampling on several before it was calmed and led away by other employees.

Emergency services treated two tourists on the scene who had suffered broken legs before they were taken to the local hospital for further treatment.

Others were treated for minor cuts and braises sustained trying to flee the charging elephant.

Bosses at the Chiang Mai Night Safari told reporters it was the first live performance of the new show and the elephant became agitated by a lion that was stood close to it.

They added the show would be altered and measures taken to prevent any problems with out of control animals in the future.

Management admired full responsibility for the incident and stated all medical bills for the injured would be covered together with compensation.

Images via matichon.co.th / dailynews.co.th





