As many as 18 elephants found dead in remote hill areas of Assam. The heartbreaking incident occurred in Nagaon district on Thursday.

Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya says that according to their preliminary investigation it suggests that the elephants died due to electrocution caused by lightning. However, the exact reason can only be confirmed after post mortem. The minister talking to ANI, said "It is a very saddening incident. This has never happened before in the Assam forest. Today afternoon, when it was raining, a thunder struck and 18 elephants died." Further he informed that he will be visiting the spot on Friday and a post mortem of the elephants will be conducted. Parimal Suklabaidya added that he has a team currently up there, however the post mortem is difficult in the darkness. The preliminary investigation found that the jumbos were killed due to electrocution, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahay told PTI. Sahay said usually elephants stay in huddles in case of storms or rain. Probably, at that very moment, lightning struck and the entire group got killed.

Locals living near the hill claimed that the herd of the wild elephants was screaming unnaturally throughout the night and the cries faded gradually as the day broke.

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