Spanish Tourists Approach 3.5 Tons Of Elephants In South Africa Killed By Tramples In Front Of His Fiance

Illustration of a herd of lira elephants. (Valaria Almaraz-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A curious Spanish tourist trying to approach a wild elephant in his habitat in South Africa (South Africa) was trampled to death by the 3.5-ton wild animal.

The tragic incident took place at South Africa's Pilanesberg National Park on Sunday, July 7 local time. Police have identified the death toll today, Wednesday, July 10.

The victim, named Carlos Luna, 43, served as the boss of a cleaning company at Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain. He was on vacation in South Africa with his fianc accompanied by two colleagues from Johannesburg.

When the four of them were traveling in the wild of the Pilanesberg National Park, they saw a herd of elephants interacting with three children on the edge of the lake.

From the main lane of the passing vehicle, the victim got out of his car to get a close-up photo of the elephant, while the others were in the vehicle.

Although his colleague had warned to return to the car but the victim still insisted on seeing the six elephants from close range.

His surviving fianc screamed hysterically when the victim was attacked by an adult female elephant weighing 3.5 tons and two other adult male elephants trying to protect their herd.

Spanish safari tourism agency official Alex Lacadena told local newspapers the attack occurred because the protection of the leader of the elephant herd felt threatened when approached.

"The first rule in the safari is not getting out of the vehicle and standing," he said, quoted from The Sun, Wednesday, July 10.

A Spanish consul in South Africa said the victim's body was heading to the capital Pritoria to be returned to his hometown today.

Although the three passengers in the car carrying the victim were not injured, an investigation is still being carried out regarding this incident.