A family's journey on the road took an unexpected turn when their vehicle was trampled by a herd of elephants near Gerik, Perak

The incident unfolded when the family's vehicle collided with a young elephant calf on the East-West Highway (JRTB) near the Titiwangsa rest area heading towards Jeli.
According to Gerik district police chief Supt Zulkifli Mahmood, it had been drizzling and foggy, and the driver did not see the calf on a bend in the road, reported The Star.
The elephant calf had fallen over upon the impact. The herd, seemingly protective of the calf, surrounded the family car, and began trampling the vehicle.

Image for illustration purposes only.

Image via New Straits Times

Despite the severity of the situation, no one was injured

The driver, a 48-year-old man, who had been travelling with his wife and son, all emerged from the wreckage miraculously unharmed, reported the New Straits Times.
Only their Perodua Axia bore the brunt of the attack, sustaining severe damage on the left side, front, and rear of the car.
After the baby elephant got back to its feet, the angry herd retreated and went away.

Image via PDRM/The Straits Times

This incident wasn't entirely unforeseen. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) had previously issued advisories to motorists, advising them to be vigilant especially in the JRTB area where elephants are frequently spotted.