One lady was killed and 11 others injured when an elephant attacked crowd in Sri Lanka's Ratnapura, 97 km away from capital Colombo, on Friday night, police said.

The elephant was being prepared to take part in an annual parade, more popularly known as a "pera hera" when it went berserk and attacked the crowd who had arrived to witness the parade.

Police said altogether 12 people were injured in the attack and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

However one lady, later suffered a heart attack and died after being admitted to hospital.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

Pera hera is a sacred Buddhist processions held annually in Sri Lanka which attracts large crowds including a large number of tourists.

As a unique symbol of Sri Lanka, the procession consists of many traditional local dances such as fire-dances, whip-dances and Kandyan dances, in addition to the elephants who are usually adorned with lavish garments.

Source : XINHUA