A tragic incident occurred at Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa when a 43-year-old Spanish tourist was fatally trampled by elephants after leaving his vehicle to take photos of the herd.
The man, accompanied by his fiancee and two others, encountered three elephants with calves while driving through the park on Sunday morning, according to police reports.
Pieter Nel, spokesperson for the local tourism board, described how the situation escalated: “When the man exited the vehicle and approached the herd, the matriarch became agitated and charged at him.
Despite efforts to escape, he was subsequently trampled by the rest of the herd.” Local media confirmed that despite being rushed to the hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries.
The group accompanying the victim, all from Johannesburg, escaped physical harm. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in national parks.
Thami Matshego, CEO of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, stressed the necessity for visitors to remain inside their vehicles and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
He emphasized, “Tourists are constantly reminded about the importance of staying inside their vehicles when visiting the park, and to only get out of vehicles in safely designated areas.”
Pieter Nel further noted, “It was ‘normal behavior’ for wild elephants to protect their young,” adding that despite warnings from fellow passengers and occupants of other vehicles at the scene, the deceased did not heed these cautions.
Elephant attacks, while rare, underscore the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in protected areas.
Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of Africa, highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during safari experiences.
Source-BBC
