I was crushed by an elephant

Day two followed the same pattern. But as we walked to the paddock at dusk, Boonsri began to sway her head violently. On the third stroke she hit me, trunk first, then with her massive head, striking me hard on my shoulder and knocking me over. Before I could register the danger, I felt a massive weight on my ribcage. Her enormous foot was not resting (as in a circus act), but pushing down, crushing my chest. It felt like a truck was driving over me. It can’t have lasted more than 10 seconds but my head was filled with terror and the conviction that my end had come.

I could hear shouting, the yells of the mahout, someone screaming – it might have been me. Slowly, I felt the pressure ease. As Boonsri lifted her leg, I rolled free and was dragged to safety. It took more than half an hour for me to regain the ability to speak. I burst into tears with the relief. The commotion continued and I could see the mahout beating the elephant. I protested so he took her out of sight. I was horrified, but have to admit it was probably his bullhook that had pulled her foot off me and saved my life.