News

A combi with 13 Day Visitors on their way to Letaba was involved in an accident North of Mopani in the Kruger National Park (KNP) yesterday, 10 November 2019. Preliminary reports indicate that a giraffe stepped into the road, with the combi hitting it before it dropped on top of a rental safari vehicle, travelling in the opposite direction with two occupants. 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 stabilized 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; whilst two occupants from the combi were also treated for minor injuries; said the General Manager: Communications and Marketing, Isaac Phaahla.

The South African Police Service are investigating the incident and circumstances around it; therefore South African National Parks (SANParks) is appealing for people to desist from speculating and allow the investigation process to run its course. SANParks would also like to appeal to the public to always be watchful of all kinds of species while driving on the roads in the Park as they are a general site; therefore people must remember that these animals have a right of way.

“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.

Issued By

Communications & Marketing Department – Kruger National Park

Media Enquiries

Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications and Marketing, KNP
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]