Last Updated:
The incident happened at Kruger National Park in South Africa when children were chased by elephants.
A pair of elephants walk through scrub in the dusk light in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa’s North West Province. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
A 59-year-old tourist lost his life at Kruger National Park in South Africa last weekend after being trampled by an elephant while allegedly attempting to protect his grandchild, the park authorities said in a statement accessed by broadcaster CNN.
According to eyewitnesses, the man and his family had parked near the Malelane reception area by the Crocodile River when the children ran past a bridge into the bush, prompting an elephant from a nearby herd to charge at them, South African National Parks (SANParks) said in their statement.
“He rushed to assist the children and that is when he was chased and trampled by one of the animals. He succumbed to his injuries on the scene,” the park said.
59-year-old Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed from eMkhondo of Johannesburg in Mpumalanga province died while trying to save his grandchild.
“On the day of the incident, the animal responsible for the death could not be identified as there were several of them in the vicinity and they immediately moved away while people were trying to save the life of the deceased,” SANParks said in the statement.
“SANParks would like to reiterate that the incident is regrettable and unfortunate, but calls on the public to refrain from speculating, until the police have finalised their report and to allow the family to mourn their loved one in dignity,” the statement added.
“Management continues to offer heartfelt condolences to the Ammed family and wishes them strength in this difficult time,” the park said.
South African Police are currently investigating the incident.
- Location :
Cape town, South Africa
