An 80-year-old US woman was killed by an “aggressive” elephant that charged at a vehicle during a safari trip in Zambia, according to local officials.
According to BBC report, the attack took place on Saturday in Kafue National Park, in the country’s west.
A online video shows the large elephant repeatedly tipping over the automobile carrying six occupants.
Keith Vincent, CEO of the safari business, stated that the vehicle was “blocked” by the terrain and could not leave.
The 80-year-old woman, who has not been identified, died from her injuries. Officials stated her remains would be returned to the United States in the following days.
Four other visitors suffered minor injuries and are undergoing trauma counselling. One woman was transported to a hospital in South Africa for treatment.
Police and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife are investigating the incident.
“This is tragic and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died,” Mr Vincent said. “We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident.”
Mr Vincent said the vehicle had stopped because it had become trapped by “terrain and vegetation” and couldn’t manoeuvre its way out of the elephant’s path.
Zambia’s neighbours Zimbabwe and Botswana have raised concerns about increasing elephant populations in their respective countries.
Zimbabwe has recorded deadly elephant attacks in recent years.
