Tourists involved in accident at the Kruger National Park
The police are investigating the incident and the circumstances around it.
A Kombi with 13 day visitors on their way to Letaba was involved in an accident north of Mopani in the Kruger National Park yesterday.
Preliminary reports indicate that a giraffe stepped into the road, and the Kombi hit it, whereupon it dropped on top of a rental safari vehicle travelling in the opposite direction with two occupants.
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The driver of the rental vehicle, a Swiss national, was seriously injured, and the passenger suffered minor injuries.
“The medical personnel who rushed to the scene of the accident, stabilised the Swiss driver before airlifting him to a medical facility; he is in a critical condition and we wish him a speedy recovery. The accident resulted in the death of the giraffe, while two occupants from the Kombi were also treated for minor injuries,” said Isaac Phaahla, the general manager of communications and marketing.
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The police are investigating the incident and the circumstances around it.
SANParks is appealing to citizens to desist from speculating, and to allow the investigation process to take its course. They also appeal to the public to be watchful of all kinds of species while driving on the roads of the park. “We are approaching the festive season in a month’s time and encourage visitors to plan their trips between gates and camps so as to eliminate the need to hurry. Please also exercise caution as the wildlife has no concept of traffic rules,” concluded Phaahla.
