Bella Ifasola
An elephant at South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park – on Saturday, trampled a 59-year-old grandfather to death while trying to save his grandchildren from the charging animal, police said.
The tragedy unfolded near the park’s Malelane Gate, a popular entry point, when the family was capturing photos and videos of the elephant.
The animal suddenly charged, prompting the man’s two grandchildren, aged five and eleven, to flee, police said in a statement, adding that the children stumbled, and the elephant struck the older child with its trunk.
“It was during this time when the grandfather went to assist … when the elephant turned and trampled on him before it left them and returned into the Kruger National Park premises,” the statement read.
The man died from his injuries at the scene, while the 11-year-old boy sustained a leg injury and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The spokesperson for South African National Parks (SANParks), JP Louw, who confirmed the incident, appealed to witnesses to respect the family’s grief by refraining from sharing photos or videos of the tragedy.
“The sensitivity of the matter cannot be overstated,” he said. “The SANParks board and management extend their deepest condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.”
According to Louw, investigations into the incident are ongoing.
He assured the public that more details would be released in due course.
This tragedy is the latest in a string of fatal elephant encounters in southern Africa, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these majestic creatures.
In July 2023, a Spanish tourist was killed in Pilanesberg National Park after stepping out of his vehicle to photograph a herd of elephants. The matriarch of the group charged and the man was trampled by the rest of the herd.
Earlier in 2023, an 80-year-old American woman was fatally charged by an elephant while on a safari in Zambia. In a notorious 2019 case, a suspected rhino poacher in Kruger National Park met a grim fate when he was trampled by an elephant and subsequently eaten by lions.
Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest game reserve, spans 20,000 square kilometres and attracts more than a million visitors each year, according to Times Live.
While its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a global tourism hotspot, the risks associated with close encounters with wild animals remain a constant challenge, the South Africa-based media reported.
Park officials have long emphasised the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, including staying inside vehicles and keeping a safe distance from animals.
“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers of wildlife encounters,” SANParks spokesman Louw reiterated.
As investigations continue, SANParks has urged visitors to remain vigilant and respect the unpredictable nature of the wild.
“Nature captivates, but it also demands respect,” Louw said, a sentiment echoed by recent tragedies that underscore the fine line between awe-inspiring encounters and fatal outcomes.
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