14-Year-Old Escapes Massive Crocodile's Jaws By Fighting Off Reptile With Bare Hands

A 14-year-old boy got a new lease on life after he fought off a large saltwater crocodile that had attacked him in a river, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.

According to local media reports, the teenager was bathing in a river in the Kendrapara district Monday, when a massive 10-foot crocodile emerged from the waters and grabbed his leg. The reptile tried to pull the boy into the river, but he courageously fought off the giant creature.

The fight between the boy and the crocodile lasted for 10 minutes.

Local villagers rushed to the scene hearing the boy's cries for help. They began pelting stones at the reptile in a bid to help him.

The teen was identified as Omprakash Sahoo of Araji village, as per Times Now.

"As the crocodile was pulling into the water, I pricked its eyes with my fingers following which the reptile loosened its grip which gave me a chance to escape and I managed to save my life," Sahoo told local media while undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Sanatan Dandapat, who was also with Sahoo bathing in the river, said that he saw the giant crocodile coming at his friend.

"I shouted to alert him, but it was too late. The reptile got hold of him and pulled him into the river. When it started the 'Death Roll', we threw ropes and towels at him to rescue him, but he was too far away. However, to our surprise, Om Prakash fought with it by kicking and punching it and got himself out of its clutches," Dandapat added as quoted by Odisha TV.

Omprakash suffered serious injuries in the attack and was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) at Kendrapara. He was later moved to a speciality hospital after his condition worsened. Meanwhile, hospital officials reportedly said the teenager was out of danger.

According to local media reports, this is the third crocodile attack in the past one month in and around Bhitarkanika National Park, which is close to where the boy was mauled.

On May 26, a 54-year-old woman was killed by a crocodile when she was washing utensils in the river. On May 4, a 40-year-old man was mauled to death by a crocodile while he was taking a bath in the Brahmani river.