A 59-year-old male tourist lost his life after being trampled by an elephant while attempting to rescue his grandchild at Kruger National Park in South Africa last weekend, according to a statement from the park.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the victim and his family had parked near the Malelane reception area close to Crocodile River when the children ran past a bridge into the bush.
“An elephant from a nearby herd charged at them,” South African National Parks (SANParks) stated.
The man, identified as Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed from eMkhondo, Mpumalanga province, “rushed to assist the children, and that is when he was chased and trampled by one of the animals,” SANParks confirmed.
“He succumbed to his injuries on the scene” on January 25.
Authorities were unable to identify the specific elephant responsible for the incident as several were in the area at the time.
“They immediately moved away while people were trying to save the life of the deceased,” the park noted.
Describing the incident as “regrettable and unfortunate,” SANParks urged the public to avoid speculation until the police complete their investigation.
“We call on the public to allow the family to mourn their loved one in dignity,” the statement added.
South African police are conducting an investigation but have referred all inquiries to SANParks, which has pledged full cooperation.
“We will not have an update until police have handed over their final report,” SANParks stated.
Offering condolences, the park’s management expressed sympathy for the Ammed family. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, and we wish them strength in this difficult time,” SANParks said.
Source-CNN
