South Africa: Spanish tourist killed by elephant in Pilanesberg

A tourist was killed on Sunday afternoon in Pilanesberg National Park after an elephant attacked him. The individual, said to be a Spanish man, stepped out of his car to take a picture, sources said.

A park visitor said that their family was on a game drive and saw an ambulance rush past yesterday afternoon, presumably to collect the injured tourist. The seriously injured man was rushed to hospital but later succumbed from his injuries.

While no official statement has been issued yet, several sources at the Pilanesberg National Park confirmed the incident.

“Visitors to the park must realise that these are wild animals,” said the source at the park who wished to remain anonymous, as provincial authorities have yet to issue a statement.

“You cannot simply get out of your vehicle and approach an animal. Selfies or getting closer photo opportunities with an animal that may see you as a threat or invader of their territory can have dire consequences,” they added.

The seriously injured man was rushed to hospital but later succumbed from his injuries