A tourist has died after being trampled by an elephant at Kruger National Park

The incident occurred near Crocodile River, at the Malelane Gate on Saturday. 

The Police at Malelane are investigating an incident whereby a 59-year-old man was reportedly killed by an Elephant. The man was identified by his family as Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed.

A report indicates that two of his grand children, aged 5 and 11 were taking some pictures and videos of an elephant that was inside the park, not far from the gate, when suddenly  the elephant came charging towards them. The eldest child is said to have managed to grab the youngest one, and both ran towards their grandfather, who also took off as he realized that the elephant was charging. The 11-year-old boy who held his sister is said to have fallen down, and the elephant came towards him (the boy), then attacked him, using it's trunk and the elephant was focusing on his legs. It was during this time when the grandfather went to assist its when the elephant turned and trampled on him before it left them and returned into the Kruger national park premises.

The Police and Emergency Services personnel were summoned to the scene, and unfortunately, the man had already succumbed to the injuries whilst the boy sustained some injuries in the leg. The little girl was reportedly unharmed during the incident.

An inquest case has been opened, and the man is expected to be buried today, 26 January 2025 as per family religion.  

The incident surrounding this tragic incident is underway, and members of the public are urged to take extra caution when visiting nature reserves as incidents of animal attack continue to be reported.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)