Elephant lifts car ‘like rugby players in a line-out’ in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
There were two occupants in the vehicle, neither of whom were injured during the ordeal
A SCARY encounter with an elephant in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) led to a motorcar being kicked into a ditch like a tin can.
The incident occurred shortly after midday on Wednesday, along the road between Hilltop Resort and Memorial Gate.
The two occupants of the vehicle, who asked not to be named, were making their way to Memorial Gate when they observed a lone bull elephant walking towards their car.
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‘As a regular visitor to HiP, [the driver] noted that the elephant seemed relaxed and approaching in peace,’ said HiP spokesperson Musa Mntambo.
‘As he knows animals inside the park always have right of way, he moved his car to the side of the road to let the elephant pass.’
When the elephant approached the vehicle, it laid its trunk across the bonnet.
‘As this was an unexpected action by the elephant, the driver tried to extricate his car from the situation, but the elephant did not appreciate this behaviour,’ continued Mntambo.
He said the elephant reacted, and stuck its tusk through the passenger window ‘which cracked like it never existed’.
The elephant then reportedly lifted the vehicle ‘like rugby players performing a line-out’, before tossing the car into a ditch.
Mntambo said the elephant continued to push the car’s rear before eventually backing off.
Photo: Ezemvelo
According to HiP field ranger Velenkosini Musawenkosi Ntombela who witnessed the incident, the elephant started approaching the vehicle again, so he discharged a warning shot, which caused the elephant to leave the scene.
‘The occupants of the car were instructed to leave their vehicle, and jumped into an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife vehicle,’ said Mntambo.
‘They were assisted to remove some of their personal belongings from inside the vehicle and were driven to Memorial Gate to make alternative arrangements to go home.
‘No visible physical injuries were observed on the occupants.’
Later that afternoon, a breakdown truck arrived to remove the vehicle from the scene.
Ezemvelo acting CEO Ntsikelelo Dlulane expressed relief that no lives were lost during the ordeal.
‘I am thankful that both occupants survived the ordeal with no visible injuries,’ said Dlulane.
‘My appreciation also goes to Mr Ntombela who remained calm under the circumstances.’
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