Khordha: A herd of 18 elephants strayed into Odisha's Khordha town late last night leaving the residents of the area panic-stricken.

The pachyderms, including four calves, demolished a portion of boundary wall of the Khordha District Headquarters Hospital and headed towards nearby forest.

On being informed, Forest officials reached the spot and initiated efforts to ward off the animals. Electricity department staffers also rushed to the area due to presence of high tension electrical wires near the forest.

Earlier on October 5, two elephants had entered the premises of Khordha District Headquarters Hospital. Further mishap got averted as locals informed the Forest officials, who reached the spot and managed to ward off the elephants towards Kaipadar forest.