Dhenkanal, Feb 10: In a tragic incident, three women lost their lives and three others sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a wild elephant while collecting firewood in Lochapali village under the Patpuri Forest of the Sadar range in Dhenkanal district on Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Indu Pradhan, Tuni Behera, and Kuntala Pradhan. The injured women—Rama Dehury, Rasmita Pradhan, and Jhili Pradhan—were rescued by forest department personnel and rushed to the district headquarters hospital, where they are undergoing treatment in critical condition.

According to reports, the six women entered the forest to collect firewood when they unexpectedly came face to face with the elephant. The animal reportedly attacked them, killing three women on the spot and seriously injuring the others.

Forest officials reached the site soon after receiving information about the incident and have initiated an investigation. Patrolling in the area has been intensified to prevent further incidents.

Confirming the incident, Dhenkanal Range Officer Uchhaba Chandra Pradhan said that the forest department team was already on patrol when the tragedy occurred.