A tourist 64 year old American, Juliana Gle Tourneauoriginally from New Mexico, is dead tragically in Zambia after being trampled by an elephant. The accident occurred in Livingstonclose to Maramba Cultural Bridge, an area renowned for its proximity to Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tragic event marks the second death of an American tourist caused by an elephant in Zambia in recent months.
Accident in Livingston
The Police Commissioner of the Southern Province, Auxensio Dakaconfirmed that the accident occurred last Wednesday. Juliana Gle Tourneau he was taking part in atourist excursion together with other visitors to observe a herd of elephants.
While the group was in a car, one of the elephants he suddenly attacked the car, throwing Juliana outside and trampling on her.
The commissioner explained that the incident happened around 6pm, while the tourists were returning to their hotel, but had to stop due to traffic blocked by the passage of the herd of elephants. Despite immediate surgery and transportation to the nearest medical center, Juliana she passed away shortly after his arrival.
Previous episodes
That of the American tourist is not the first accident of its kind Zambia. Last March, another American tourist, Gail Mattsonaged 79, died under similar circumstances in Kafue National Parkthe second largest in Africa.
On that occasion, a male elephant charged the car in which six tourists and their guide were travelling.
Another woman was injured and taken to hospital, while the other members of the group suffered only minor injuries. The authorities had deployed a helicopter and opened an investigation into the accident.
Safety in the Parks
The death of Juliana Gle Tourneau raises many questions about safety of tourist excursions in areas where the wildlife it is particularly active. Local authorities and tourist operators inform of possible accidents, but there is real attention to dividing tourist spaces from those of local fauna.
It is essential that security measures are strengthened, with the training of tourist guides to manage emergency situations and implementing rigorous protocols to avoid close contact with wild animals. The police commissioner also repeated it.
Recent incidents highlight the need for continuous monitoring and a sustainable approach to protect the lives of tourists and preserve wildlife in their natural habitat.
Photo source: ANSA
