Spanish tourist killed by elephants in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: A Spanish tourist was trampled to death by an elephant after stepping out of his vehicle to take photos of a small breeding herd at a renowned South African park, authorities said on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old man was attacked on Sunday at the Pilanesberg National Park, a tourist magnet about 200-kms northwest of Johannesburg, according to park officials.

The man, his fiancee and two women were driving their own vehicle within the reserve when they spotted three elephants and three calves, police said.

“Reports suggest that the man stopped the vehicle, alighted and went closer to the elephants to take pictures,” police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone said.

North West province´s Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB), which manages Pilanesberg, said an adult female elephant then charged at the man.