An elderly American tourist was killed by an enraged elephant that attacked the vehicle while a team of 6 was taking a game drive in Zambia on Saturday, March 30. A Lusaak police spokesperson confirmed that the fatal incident took place at Kaufe National Park.
Elderly American Tourist Killed In Elephant Attack
“A bull elephant overturned the vehicle that kicked off from the Lufupa Camp.” the Safari operator said in a statement earlier this week.
According to the officials of Safari, the elderly woman was taken to a nearby hospital in South Africa, where she later breathed her last. Four other people, who accompanied the deceased were also taken to the hospital where they received treatment for their minor injuries.
Keith Vincent, the chief executive officer at Wilderness said that the six guests were unexpectedly attacked by the bull elephant while they were on the game drive. He further remarked that the guide’s vehicle was stopped by the vegetation and terrain at the time of the attack.
“Our guides are well-trained and they are also experienced,’ Vincent continued, “but sadly, the terrain was such that the guide’s vehicle got stuck and they could not get out of it quickly.”
Immediately after the unexpected attack, Kaufe National Park authorities called for assistance, and a helicopter was dispatched in no time, according to Vincent. He further added that the investigation was going on with the complete involvement of local police, the Zambia Department of National Parks & Wildlife as well as a few other authorities. Vincent has offered complete cooperation with the investigation from the side of Wilderness.
In the foremost statement after the distressing incident, Vincent shared his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and ensured to provide the other involved guests with sufficient support.
According to his statement, the elderly woman’s body will be taken back to her native with the help of local Zambian authorities and the US Embassy.
The indecent would have made it to the limelight if it was not for the 45-second video which was captured and shared by a bystander who said they were scared for the lives of the people in the truck.. In the short clip, a lone massive elephant is seen running from a distance towards the vehicle.
In the background, a woman is heard saying, “Oh my goodness,” while a second remarked, “Uh oh, it is coming fast.”
In the video, which is a part of the investigation into the incident, a bull elephant is seen rushing to the vehicle through the trees and bush while the driver abruptly pushes the break. Using his trunk, the elephant overturned the vehicle in a single swing.
This is not the first case where people have lost their lives during an adventure due to animal interference. Last month, a similar incident happened at Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa, when a similar bull elephant attacked the visitors.
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In 2016, an American woman in her early 30s was mauled to death when she was filming a lion who raged at her at the Gauteng safari park in South Africa.