A family endured a terrifying ordeal on Sunday when an elephant attacked their vehicle during a visit to iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park officials said at noon they were alerted to an incident at the Eastern Shores of the park, on the road to Cape Vidal.
“A vehicle traveling to Cape Vidal with two adults and two children inside, came into contact with an elephant,” said the park’s management in a statement released Monday.
“The elephant reportedly pushed the vehicle with its tusks, and rolled the car on its side and its roof, with the passengers still inside.”
Park officials responded to the incident and rescued the family, and fortunately, there were no severe injuries sustained by the passengers.
The family is reportedly from Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Although such incidents are not a common occurrence in iSimangaliso, we wish to caution our visitors to always remain vigilant and keep to a distance of at least 50 metres from wildlife, particularly the big five,” said the statement.
Human-wildlife conflicts can and do happen since these animals are wild, and roaming freely in the park.
“We are grateful that no life was lost during this incident,” said the statement.
” Following an investigation into the incident by management, no further action will be taken against the elephant in question.”
Other visitors to the park who saw the elephant attack the car ahead of them tried to distract the enraged animal by hooting. When their efforts failed to deter the elephant they filmed the incident.
