US tourist dies after elephant toppled Safari truck in Zambia

During a wildlife drive in Zambia, an agitated bull elephant assaulted and overturned their safari vehicle, killing an elderly US visitor and injuring four others. ABC News recorded the attack at Kafue National Park, when the massive pachyderm bolted from a forested area and crashed into the side of the truck. The footage was shared on social media. It revealed the visitor's identity as Minnesotan Gail Mattson, 79. In a statement, Keith Vincent, executive director of safari company Wilderness, informed the network that the driver had no chance of escaping and that the elephant's attack was unanticipated.“Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” he said.“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident.”Investigating the event on Saturday, which happened in the national park some 220 miles northwest of Zambia's capital, Lusaka, are wildlife officials and local police. Kafue is the oldest and largest national park in the nation, spanning about 8,700 square miles. It is well-liked by visitors due to its wide range and abundance of avian and terrestrial species. Four additional passengers in the car received minor medical attention, according to Wilderness.Source