An elephant caused stampede at a festival at midnight, leaving attendees in panic.

The incident took place in the Puthiyangadi area in Tirur town of Malappuram district, Kerala, southern India on January 8.

Visuals show a large crowd gathered around five decorated elephants when one suddenly turned aggressive, attacking the crowd and triggering a stampede. The elephant grabbed a man, lifted him with its trunk, twisted him, and then flung him into the crowd. Panic spread as people rushed to escape, helping one another.

Jinesh K J, Inspector of Police, Tirur Police station, said the man is in critical condition and receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kottakkal. Twentynine people were injured resulting from the panic as people stumbled while fleeing.

The situation, which began at 12:30 am, was brought under control around 2:15 am when the mahout managed to calm the elephant, preventing further harm.