An American woman who was embarking on what she called her “last great journey” was killed when an elephant overturned the car she was traveling in in a Zambian national park.
The animal hit the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide, tour operator Wilderness said in a statement Tuesday. She said The 79-year-old victim died after the accident on Saturday during a safari in Kafue National Park in western Zambia.
The company did not name the victim, but Rona Wells, his daughter, identified her as Gail Mattson in a Facebook post. She said her mother died in a “tragic accident during her dream adventure.”
A video circulating on social media shows a large elephant running towards a car, which slows down as the animal approaches its left side. Then, the elephant hits the car.
The 79-year-old woman died when an elephant hit the car she was traveling in.“Unfortunately in this case the terrain and vegetation were such that the guide’s path was blocked and she was unable to get the vehicle out of danger quickly enough,” added the tour company on the reasons why the driver of the car did not acted. . in another way.
“It is extremely rare to see an elephant this angry”Marlon du Toit, a wildlife photographer and safari guide, told the “TODAY” show. “Across Africa, there are thousands and thousands of visitors who go on safari every day without any negative consequences.”
The exact cause of Mattson’s death is unclear, but the company said his body will be repatriated to family in the United States with the support of local authorities in Zambia and the U.S. Embassy in the capital Lusaka.
The deceased woman was in the car with five other tourists and a guide. Kafue is the largest national park in the country and is home to more than 200 animal species.
It is known for lion and leopard sightings, as well as an incredible diversity of antelope species, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.