HARARE, Zimbabwe — A male elephant aggressively approached a truck carrying an 80-year-old American and other tourists during a wildlife tour in a Zambian national park. The elephant overturned the vehicle, resulting in the death of the American, according to a safari company.
The incident occurred on March 30 in the extensive Kafue National Park, which spans 8,600 square miles and ranks among Africa’s largest animal reserves. The attack left five others injured.
The safari company Wilderness reported that an unexpectedly aggressive male elephant charged at the truck, which was transporting six guests and a guide on a morning excursion through wild areas.
An elephant at Kafue National Park charged at a safari truck killing one woman. Footage captured by one of the tourists on board shows the elephant chasing the vehicle for more than half a mile through the national park in Zambia
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The cause of the elephant's agitation was unclear. A widely circulated online video shows the animal menacingly charging through the bushy terrain toward the tourists’ vehicle. Despite attempts to scare it away, the elephant reached the truck and used its trunk to flip it over.
Another female tourist sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to South Africa for medical treatment, while the others were treated for minor injuries, the company said.
Tarryn Gibson, the head of communications for the safari company, stated to The Associated Press on Thursday, “This is a heartbreaking incident for everyone involved and we are providing the best possible support to the family and all those affected.” Gibson did not disclose the name of the deceased tourist, as per the family's request for privacy. The company also urged people not to share the video of the attack online.
While many wildlife parks in southern Africa are home to dangerous animals like elephants and lions, such occurrences are infrequent, though they can lead to fatal outcomes due to the unpredictable nature of wild animals.
Keith Vincent, the chief executive officer of the safari company, mentioned that the challenging terrain reduced the likelihood of an escape.
“Our guides are all highly trained and experienced, but unfortunately, in this case, the terrain and vegetation impeded the guide’s route, preventing the vehicle from being moved out of harm’s way swiftly enough,” he explained.
