Tragedy in Kruger: Tourist killed in elephant encounter
A tragic incident occurred in Kruger National Park in South Africa. An elephant trampled a tourist.
On Saturday, a tragic accident took place in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where a tourist was attacked and subsequently trampled by an elephant. According to JP Louw, a communications officer at SANParks, 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, emphasising that these materials are highly graphic. An appeal was also made not to disclose personal information about the victim.
Despite these appeals, witnesses reported on social media that the victim was an elderly white man who was attempting to save his grandchildren, who were attacked by the elephant while using the toilet.
Elephant attacks in African national parks are not uncommon
Elephant attacks in national parks are not uncommon. Last July, a Spanish tourist died in Pilanesberg National Park when he got out of his car to take pictures of elephants. Early last year, an 80-year-old American woman killed in Zambia when an elephant attacked the vehicle she was travelling in with other tourists.
In neighbouring Zimbabwe in 2023, there were 50 fatalities from wild animal attacks, mainly involving elephants. Eighty-five people sustained serious injuries in these incidents.
National parks in South Africa attract over a million tourists each year. Authorities urge tourists to adhere to safety measures, such as staying in vehicles and maintaining a safe distance from wild animals. Although usually calm, elephants can be aggressive, especially females with young. Any elephant can become dangerous if sick, injured, or provoked by humans.
