An elderly tourist was trampled by a herd of elephants in the Kruger National Park on Saturday night.

Lowvelder reports the 68-year-old woman was a visitor at the Sirheni Bushveld Camp in the northern part of the Kruger. She reportedly woke up and walked out of the chalet she was sharing with her husband just before 23:00.

The circumstances surrounding her death are uncertain, and police investigations are ongoing.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw confirmed the incident but declined to provide details, referring Lowvelder to the SAPS.

“SANParks has been attending to the unfortunate incident of a visitor who lost her life after encountering elephants. In compliance with the law, the matter has been handed over to the SAPS who must be approached for updates. Out of respect for the family and also appreciative of the law, SANParks will not provide commentary on the incident,” said Louw.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the matter was reported at the Saselamani Police Station in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality near the Kruger’s Punda Maria Gate.

“The information at our disposal is that at around 23:00 on May 10, a female tourist (68), who was a visitor at a well-known lodge, was attacked and killed by elephants. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still a subject for investigation,” said Ledwaba.

He added the victim’s identity would not be revealed until her next of kin could be notified of the incident.

It is also not clear whether the victim was a local or a foreign tourist.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.