A lorry transporting animals, including two white tigers and eight crocodiles, from the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna to Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Biological Park, overturned near Mondigutta village on National Highway 44. The accident occurred on Thursday evening when the speeding vehicle lost control and rammed into an electric pole, causing the animals to break free from their cages.

While most of the animals were quickly recaptured, two crocodiles managed to escape into nearby residential areas, creating panic among locals. Authorities issued warnings, advising residents to keep children indoors and urging farmers not to enter fields alone until the situation was brought under control.

Swift Response from Authorities

Forest officials, local police, and residents worked together to contain the situation, and all animals, including the escaped crocodiles, were eventually captured. The animals were safely transferred to Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta National Park in another vehicle.

Driver Charged in Connection with the Accident

The driver of the lorry, Abdul Mannan Mandal, a 51-year-old resident of Sankpur, West Bengal, has been charged for his role in the accident. Police reported that the driver was fatigued after covering long distances without assistance, which contributed to the crash. Superintendent of Police, Janaki Sharmila, confirmed that speeding played a significant role in the incident.