American tourist killed by elephant in Zambia

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - A 64-year-old American tourist was killed this week by an elephant in the town of Livingstone in southern Zambia.

In a statement Thursday, Southern Province police commissioner Auxensio Daka said that Juliana Tourneau met her fate Wednesday afternoon at the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone.

Daka said that according to a family member, before the encounter, Tourneau had gone for an activity near the Zambezi River.

''On their return to the hotel, the family met a herd of elephants, prompting them to stop to watch the animals closely. Unfortunately, one elephant charged and knocked the deceased down and trampled on her, causing fatal injuries,” Daka said.

He said Tourneau was rushed to a local medical center for resuscitation but died upon arrival.

Tourneau became the second American tourist this month to die from a wild animal attack after a 70-year-old woman was killed by a hippo after it charged at her on a walking safari.

Commenting on the June 5 incident, Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said the authorities would ensure that tourism remained safe for both local and international tourists.