Drowning Accident at Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Experts Advise "Do Not Get Out of Vehicle During Safari Activities"
A tourist exploring wildlife in a national park in South Africa was trampled to death by an elephant.
A Spanish tourist in South Africa lost their life after being trampled by an elephant during a wildlife tour. [Photo by Pilanesberg National Park]
According to local media including the daily The Citizen on the 9th (local time), a Spanish tourist was trampled by an elephant during a wildlife tour (safari) on the 7th at Pilanesberg National Park in North West Province, located 200 km northwest of Johannesburg. The tourist was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but ultimately died.
The man was reportedly on a safari in the national park's wildlife reserve with his fianc?e and two other women in a private vehicle. After spotting a herd of elephants, the man got out of the car and approached to take photos, which is believed to have led to the tragic incident.
A park official explained, "The lead elephant, excited by the approaching tourist, attacked. It is normal behavior for an adult elephant to protect a young one."
He added, "Many tourists do not realize how dangerous elephants can be. Getting out of the car to approach wildlife for selfies or close-up photos is perceived as a threat or territorial intrusion and can result in terrible consequences."
Elephant attacks on people frequently occur in Africa.
Earlier this year, two tourists died in separate elephant attacks in Zambia. In March, a video showing a tourist in a safari truck being attacked by an elephant at Pilanesberg National Park spread on social media, sparking controversy.
Pilanesberg National Park authorities have urged visitors to wildlife reserves to keep their windows closed and not to leave their vehicles during safari activities.
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