American tourist killed by elephant during safari in Zambia

On Saturday March 30, around 9:30 a.m. (local time), an 80-year-old American woman was killed by an elephant during a safari in Kafue National Park in Zambia, Sky News indicates.

The woman was accompanied by a guide and five other tourists when a male elephant suddenly attacked their vehicle. The group was staying at Camp Lufupa, north of Kafue National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve.

In a video relayed on social networks, we see the elephant chasing the group along a road, before their vehicle suddenly stops.

“Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but unfortunately in this case the terrain and vegetation were such that the guide’s route was blocked and he was unable to get the vehicle out of range quickly enough,” said Keith Vincent, general manager of the Wilderness Destinations company in charge of shipping.

According to the New York Post, the 5-ton elephant allegedly charged the vehicle, before turning it over several times. “This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family. Of course, we also extend our support to the clients and guide involved in this distressing incident,” added Keith Vincent.

A second tourist was also injured in the accident and taken to hospital. Four other people were treated for minor injuries and evacuated by helicopter. According to the American daily, local authorities and the American embassy in Lusaka are working to return the victim’s body to his family.