Zambian Elephant Attacks, US Tourist Lives Skyrocket

UNSPLASH/Denis Tuksar ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - An elderly woman from the United States (US), totaling Mattson (79), died after an elephant 'attacked' a vehicle carrying tourists in Kafue National Park, Zambia, South Africa.

Reporting from CNN, Saturday, April 6, another woman was injured and taken to a local medical facility, said conservation and hospitality firm Wilderness. It was reported that four other people also suffered minor injuries.

Wilderness Chief Executive Officer Keith Vincent said the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide was 'unexpectedly hit' by a male elephant while traveling around the highway to see wild animals.

"Our guides are all very trained and experienced, but unfortunately in this case the terrain and vegetation are in such a way that the guide route gets blocked and he can't move his vehicle out of danger fast enough," Vincent said.

"This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the families of guests who died," he said.

Mattson's son, Blake Vetter, told CNN his family was aware of the news of Mattson's death from the US embassy. According to Vetter, Mattson is a grandmother, and retired professional mortgage.

"He is loved by everyone, and he is at the center of attention," said Vetter.

"Everyone wanted to blame the elephant and the driver, but no, it was a strange accident," he added.