LAHAD DATU: A senior citizen died, and his wife was seriously injured after being attacked by a group of elephants in an incident in Kampung Perpaduan, Skim Begahak, Lahad Datu, Sabah, two days ago.
In the incident that happened around 10pm, the victim, Lopis Jubin, 90, was confirmed dead, while his wife, Dalama Hamid, 61, is seriously injured and currently being treated at Lahad Datu Hospital.
It is understood that during the incident, both victims were inside a hut to at their farm when a group of 12 elephants approached.
According to the source, upon realising the elephants' presence, the couple exited the hut and tried to escape.
However, one of the elephants reportedly chased and attacked the pair, kicking and stomping both victims.
As a result of the animal attack, Lopis was confirmed dead due to severe injuries to the chest, eyes, and hands.
Meanwhile, his wife suffered severe injuries, including a broken hip, injuries to her left thigh, and bruises on both hands.
The victim's body has been taken to the forensic department of Lahad Datu Hospital for further action, while his wife is reported to still be under treatment at the same hospital.
The Lahad Datu district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Dr Rohan Shah Ahmad confirmed the incident when contacted.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu Wildlife Department officer Silvester Saiman said that a team of officers has been deployed to the incident site for further investigation.
He mentioned that the examination confirmed the presence of a group of elephants in the victims' tuber farm area.
"This includes elephant footprints, broken tuber plants, and friction on the hut where the victims resided.
"There are also elephant footprints in the area of a small ditch, the location where both victims were kicked and stomped," he said.