Grandfather was trampled in South Africa by an elephant while trying to save his grandchildren

An elephant killed a tourist in the Kruger Park, one of the world’s largest reserves, announced the South African National Parks Agency Sanparks.

“A tourist was rammed and trampled by an elephant (…) The accident unfortunately resulted in the death of the victim“The agency said in a statement.

Due to the “sensitive nature” of the accident, Sanparks asked “to refrain from publishing or sharing photos and videos” on social networks.

(Also read: 62 -year -old man died when he was trampled by an elephant in India)

According to the police report, the victim, a 59 -year -old South African, died in one of the busiest doors in the park when state Trying to save two of his grandchildrenaged 5 and 11, who were attacked by the elephant while taking photographs and videos of the animal.

When the children fled, they fell to the ground and the animal attacked the 11 -year -old with its trunk.

“It was when the grandfather was trying to help (…) The elephant turned around and trampled it before leaving“The police said, indicating that the child suffered some leg wounds.

The Kruger Park, which includes 20,000 km² of savanna without fences and extends to neighbor Mozambique, is the largest national park in South Africa and very popular among safaris lovers.

It is forbidden to get off your vehicle during the visit, except in the fenced areas and in some picnic areas.

Elephant attacks They are not uncommon in the region. In 2021, an elephant killed an alleged poaching hunter in the same park.

In neighbor Zimbabue only in 2023 50 people died and 85 were injured by wild animals, mainly elephants.

(Also read: Elefante panic during religious event and 13 people were injured: video)

Security at the time of seeing elephants

The organization

• Decrease speed and Never hurry to approach them.
• In case of going in a vehicle, Turn off the engine To avoid bothering them.
• Observe them at a minimum distance of 100 meters.
• Do not stand between mothers and their young.
• If by accident it goes into a herd, Keep calm and silence.
• Remove from the area if the elephants begin to show Alert signals How to swing the front foot, break the vegetation without feeding, touching your face with the trunk or smelling in your direction.