Two British women have been killed by a charging elephant during a sunrise safari walk in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. The victims, aged 68 and 67, were attacked by a female elephant with a calf at around 6am local time on Thursday, July 3, according to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba.
The women had been staying at the Big Lagoon Bush Camp and were walking to a crossing point at the Luangwa River when they spotted the elephant with its calf at a distance. They diverted about 50 metres away, but the elephant charged at them. A tea bearer shouted a warning, but the elephant stormed towards them at high speed.
Safari guides fired shots at the elephant in a desperate attempt to stop the attack, but the animal was not deterred. Both women died at the scene. Their bodies have been taken to Mambwe District Hospital for mortuary services, and the cause of death is yet to be formally confirmed.
A local said the pair had spent four peaceful days immersed in nature and were remembered for their courage and love for life's wild places. The South Luangwa National Park is known for its dense concentration of animals, and elephants often wander through camps.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in March last year, when an 80-year-old American woman was killed by a bull elephant at Kafue National Park in Zambia.
