Tragedy at Kruger: Tourist trampled while saving family
A tragic incident happened at Kruger National Park in South Africa. A tourist was trampled by an elephant.
On Saturday, a tragic accident occurred at Kruger National Park in South Africa. A tourist was attacked and subsequently trampled by an elephant. According to JP Louw, a communications officer at South African National Parks, the incident occurred at the Malelane Gate, the southern entrance to the park, near the Crocodile River.
Louw also urged witnesses of the accident not to share recordings of the tragic event on social media. It was highlighted that these materials are incredibly graphic. There was also a request not to disclose information about the victim.
Despite these pleas, witnesses reported on social media that the victim was an older white man. He attempted to save his grandchildren, who were attacked by the elephant while using the washroom.
Elephant attacks in African national parks are not uncommon
Elephant attacks in national parks are not uncommon. In July last year, a Spanish tourist was killed at Pilanesberg National Park after getting out of his vehicle to take photos of elephants. Earlier in the year, an 80-year-old American woman died in Zambia when an elephant attacked the car she was travelling in with other tourists.
In neighbouring Zimbabwe in 2023, there were 50 fatal wild animal attacks, mainly involving elephants. Eighty-five people suffered serious injuries in these encounters.
National parks in South Africa attract over a million tourists each year. Authorities urge visitors to follow safety protocols, remain in vehicles, and maintain a safe distance from wild animals. Although generally calm, elephants can be aggressive, particularly females with young. Any elephant can become dangerous when sick, injured, or provoked by humans.
