A 64-YEAR-OLD American tourist, Juliana Tourneau, was killed by an elephant this week in the town of Livingstone, located in southern Zambia.
Incident details
Southern Province police commissioner Auxensio Daka stated that the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone. According to a family member, Tourneau had been participating in an activity near the Zambezi River earlier in the day.
‘On their return to the hotel, the family encountered a herd of elephants and stopped to watch them. Unfortunately, one elephant charged, knocking Tourneau down and trampling her, resulting in fatal injuries,’ Daka reported.
Immediate aftermath
Tourneau was rushed to a local medical centre for resuscitation but was declared dead upon arrival. This marks the second fatal wildlife incident involving an American tourist in Zambia this month, following the death of a 70-year-old woman who was killed by a hippo during a walking safari.
Official response
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba commented on the recent incidents, assuring that authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of both local and international tourists. Efforts will be intensified to maintain secure conditions for tourism activities in the region.
