Six elephants in Thailand die after falling into waterfall

Six elephants have died in Thailand after falling into a waterfall.
Six elephants have died in Thailand after falling into a waterfall. Photo credit: Getty Images

Six wild elephants have died after falling into a waterfall at the Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.

Two others were saved in the incident on Saturday at the Haew Narok Waterfall in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, officials said.

The dead elephants included a three-year old calf, said park chief Kanchit Srinoppawan. The waterfall has been closed temporarily following the incident. 

The BBC reported the elephants were trying to rescue the calf who had fallen down the waterfall. 

In 1992 a herd of eight elephants died at the same waterfall. 

"It was an accident. We have often seen this happening," National Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa told Reuters.

There are around 300 wild elephants in the park, which covers more than 2000 square km of forest and grassland. It is home to various wild animals, including bears, elephants and gibbons, and is a popular destination for tourists.

Reuters