Idukki (Keralam) | A plantation worker died after being attacked by a herd of wild elephants in Poopara here on Thursday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Kochuthevar (60), a native of Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu.

According to police, Kochuthevar was working at an estate when he came across a herd of wild elephants around 7 am.

Though he attempted to move away from the spot, the elephants attacked him.

The elephants moved away only after local people burst crackers in an attempt to rescue him.

However, Kochuthevar had died on the spot, police said.

Santhanpara police have started an investigation into the incident.

The body will be handed over to his relatives after postmortem.

The area is known for frequent wild elephant attacks as several herds stray into the region, police said.

Several similar deaths due to wild animal attacks have been reported in the area in the past, they added.