Tragedy at Kruger: Tourist killed protecting grandkids
A tragic incident occurred in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where a tourist was trampled by an elephant.
On Saturday, a tragic accident took place in Kruger National Park, South Africa, when a tourist was attacked and then trampled by an elephant. According to JP Louw, a communications officer at South African National Parks, the incident happened near the Malelane Gate, the southern entrance to the park, close to the Crocodile River.
Louw also urged witnesses not to share footage of the tragic event on social media, emphasizing that these materials are exceptionally graphic. An appeal was made not to disclose information about the victim.
Despite these pleas, witnesses reported on social media that the victim was an older white man. He was trying to save his grandchildren, who were attacked by the elephant while using the restroom.
Elephant attacks in African parks are not uncommon
Elephant attacks in national parks are not uncommon. In July of last year, a Spanish tourist was killed in Pilanesberg National Park when he got out of his car to take photos of elephants. At the beginning of last year, an 80-year-old American woman was killed in Zambia when an elephant attacked the vehicle she was traveling in with other tourists.
In neighboring Zimbabwe in 2023, there were 50 fatal attacks by wild animals, primarily elephants. Eighty-five people suffered serious injuries in these attacks.
National parks in South Africa attract over a million tourists annually. Authorities urge visitors to adhere to safety measures, such as staying in vehicles and maintaining a safe distance from wild animals. Although elephants are usually calm, they can be aggressive, especially females with young. Elephants can become dangerous when sick, injured, or provoked by people.
