Three killed, four injured after bus crashes into elephant in Africa

A minibus crashed into an elephant, leaving three killed and four injured in Uganda, Africa.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Murchison Falls National Park, when the Toyota Hiace minibus traveling from Arua city to the capital, Kampala, hit a crossing elephant and subsequently lost control, reports BBC.

Posting images of the crashed vehicle on the side of a road, the police said on X, "Three occupants died on the spot while four others, including the driver, sustained injuries."

Data reveals human-wildlife confrontations have risen in recent years, as expanding populations encroach on protected wildlife areas.

In 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority estimated that about three animals were killed every day by speeding vehicles inside Murchison Falls National Park.

Authorities said the minibus was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority URA including a journalist, who also died among the three.

Car accidents are common in Uganda, and incidents involving wildlife and humans are also on the rise, as expanding communities encroach on protected wildlife areas.

The car had been traveling from Arua City back to the capital, Kampala, when the collision took place, the Uganda Police Force said.

The injured were rushed to a local hospital and later to Kampala for treatment, while the officials did not provide information on the elephant's condition.

The UWA urged drivers to watch out for animals crossing the roads. "The police said on X, tourists traveling through protected areas are strongly advised to drive cautiously, as wild animals frequently cross the roads."

People traveling through the animal zone should take precautionary measures and proper training to deal with such situations, as it's quite common in the African region.