Kruger National Park death: Tourist trampled to death by elephant at iconic South African park
A tourist has been trampled to death by an elephant while trying to save his grandson at a well-known national park in South Africa.
Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed, 59, was visiting Kruger National Park on Saturday with his grandsons aged five and 11 when an elephant started charging towards them.
It’s understood that as they were fleeing, the 11-year-old boy fell and the elephant started attacking him with his trunk.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Ammed ran back in a bid to save his grandson but the elephant turned on him, charging at him and crushing him to death.
Kruger National Park released a statement, saying the death was a “tragic accident”.
“(On January 25) a tragic accident occurred when a tourist was charged and trampled by an elephant near Crocodile River at Malelane Gate. This, regrettably, resulted in loss of life,” the statement read.
“South African National Parks (SANParks) officials are at the scene to attend to the matter and support the family. Events leading up to the incident are currently under investigation.”
The park extended their condolences to the family and asked the public to refrain from posting pictures or videos of the fatal incident on social media.
Circumstances surrounding the death and how the family came to be so close to the elephant are still under investigation.
Originally published on PerthNow
