At least 18 elephants were found dead in India after a possible massive lightning strike.
Locals in northeastern Assam state found the dead Asiatic elephants, which included five calves, on Thursday on the foothills of the Kundali forest reserve, the Associated Press reports.
"A preliminary report suggests the deaths could be due to lightning, although we need to find out through forensic tests if there could be any other reason like poisoning or disease," Assam's forest and wildlife minister Parimal Suklabaidya said on Friday.
In a statement on Friday, Suklabaidya said he was "deeply pained" by the elephants' deaths.
The following day, he confirmed an inquiry was underway.
"The preliminary report of enquiry has been asked to be submitted within three days and a detailed investigation report within 15 days," he says. "We will unravel the exact reason behind their tragic death soon."
Assam is home to approximately 6000 wild Asiatic elephants, who are constantly coming out of the forests in search of food.
The Associated Press says conservationists have urged the Indian government to prevent encroachment of people and establish free corridors for the elephants so they can move between forests safely.
Asiatic elephants are currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.
