By Staff Reporter
Victoria Falls – One person died and five others were injured on Wednesday evening when a vehicle collided with an elephant on Kazungula Road, approximately 40 kilometres outside Victoria Falls.
The incident involved a Toyota Isis travelling towards Victoria Falls City.
According to preliminary reports, the driver attempted to overtake a stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, unaware that a sub-adult female elephant was on the road ahead.
The vehicle struck the elephant, which landed on its roof, forcing it off the road and into the bush.
The impact propelled the car approximately 100 metres, with all six occupants trapped inside.
Tragically, the front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
The remaining five individuals sustained various injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the stationary vehicle had stopped to avoid hitting the same elephant.
Due to the severity of the situation and to facilitate the recovery of the deceased, wildlife officials were forced to euthanise the injured elephant.
Police and parks officials are investigating the incident.
