The North West Parks and Tourism Board has confirmed that a Spanish tourist was trampled to death by an elephant in the Pilanesberg National Park on Sunday.

According to North West Parks and Tourism Board CEO Thami Matshego, the Spanish man and three friends entered the park at the Bakgatla entrance gate.

“Not far from the gate, they came across a breeding herd of elephants that were feeding a distance from the road.”

According to eyewitnesses, the man got out of his vehicle and approached the elephants, while taking photos.

Despite warnings from his passengers and occupants of two other vehicles, he did not get back into his car.

“An adult elephant cow charged the man, who ran from the elephant. He was not able to escape the elephant, which was joined by its herd, and he was trampled to death,” says Matshego.

“The elephants moved away immediately, without aggression towards other vehicles, and eventually disappeared into the bushes,” she adds.

Park officials were alerted and rushed to the scene.

Statements from eyewitnesses suggest that the elephant may have charged to protect the herd and ‘young ones’, says Matshego. The incident is being investigated by the police.

“The dangers and unpredictable nature of wild animals are always emphasised on the permits and booklets for sale in the Pilanesberg.

“Park officials and honorary rangers also patrol the park and tourist roads… Tourists are educated on the importance of remaining in the safety of their vehicle, to respect the distance between vehicles and animals, and allow them first right of passage.”