Lightning Strike Likely Killed 18 Elephants In Assam, Say Experts

However, the samples collected by the team are being examined for micro-biological and toxicological aspects in the laboratory to rule out the possibility of the deaths caused by poisoning or other diseases.

After a thorough examination of the carcasses of 18 elephants found dead in a forest in Assam's Nagaon district, and circumstantial evidence, a team of experts suggested that the animals could have been killed by a lightning strike, an official release said today. However, the samples collected by the team are being examined for micro-biological and toxicological aspects in the laboratory to rule out the possibility of the deaths caused by poisoning or other diseases. "This freak natural incident is also being corroborated by meteorological reports", the release said. A final report would be released only after all the examinations have been completed, it said.