Tourist Trampled to Death by Elephant in South Africa's Kruger Park

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A tragic incident occurred on January 27, 2025, in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where a tourist was fatally trampled by an elephant. The South African National Parks agency reported that the victim, 59-year-old Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed, died near the Crocodile River at the Malelane Gate after rushing to save children who had ventured into the bush.

Eyewitness accounts suggest Ammed and his family had parked near the park's reception area when the children ran towards the bush, provoking a nearby elephant. In an effort to safeguard the children, Ammed intervened and was subsequently charged by the elephant, succumbing to his injuries on the scene.

The park authorities confirmed that the specific elephant involved in the incident could not be identified among a larger herd present at the time. They have emphasized that Kruger Park has strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles outside designated picnic areas and fenced campsites.

An investigation is currently underway, and the agency has requested the public refrain from spreading speculation about the details of the event until a formal police report is released. This incident echoes previous tragic occurrences, including several fatal elephant encounters involving tourists in Africa over the past year.

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