News

South African National Parks (SANParks) today, 5 October 2018 confirmed a fatal vehicle accident involving two day visitors who were travelling between Olifants and Letaba camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP) yesterday late afternoon. Initial reports suggest there was no other vehicle involved and the SAPS are investigating the incident and circumstances around it.

Rangers and emergency personnel rushed to offer assistance but unfortunately nothing could be done to save the lives of the visitors. According to eyewitnesses, the car veered off the road and overturned; the two occupants were ejected from the car and were certified dead at the scene.

Reacting to the news, the Managing Executive of the KNP, Glenn Phillips, passed his sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased “It is always a tragic event to lose someone and we wish their families strength during this difficult period. When reports of the accident were received, we immediately dispatched emergency medical personnel to assist those affected. I would like to thank my colleagues who responded to the accident.

Further to this, we would like to appeal to people to desist from speculating on the circumstances and to allow the SAPS to conduct investigations, results of which will be submitted to the families at the appropriate time. “We would like to again urge visitors to the park to obey the rules of the road, stick to the speed limit and remain vigilant at all times. We are approaching the festive season in two months’ time and encourage visitors to plan their trips between gates and camps so as to eliminate the need to speed” concluded Phillips.

The name of the deceased cannot be released as their next of kin have not been informed.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) – Kruger National Park – Communications and Marketing

Media Enquiries:
Ike Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing, KNP
Tel No: 012 426 5315/013 735 4363, cell 083 673 6974
Email [email protected]