A devastating incident unfolded in South Africa's Kruger National Park on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old tourist who bravely intervened to protect children from a charging elephant. The victim, Shaik Adam Shabir Ammed from Mkhondo, South Africa, was tragically trampled by the elephant and died at the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event.

According to preliminary reports, the family had parked near the Malelane reception area when several children ran across a bridge and into the bush. An elephant from a nearby herd charged at the children, prompting Ammed to rush to their aid. He was then pursued and fatally trampled by one of the elephants. Due to the presence of multiple elephants in the immediate area, the specific animal responsible for the attack has not yet been identified.

Elephants were observed at Kruger National Park in December 2022. (Murat Ozgur Guvendik/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The South African National Parks (SANParks) expressed their deepest condolences to the Ammed family. They emphasized the inherent dangers posed by wildlife within the park and reminded visitors to adhere to safety regulations, which include remaining inside vehicles in designated areas and keeping all doors and windows closed. Body parts should not extend outside the vehicle.

An elephant, similar to the one shown, charged at the tourist as he attempted to usher children to safety within Kruger National Park. (Murat Ozgur Guvendik/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

While SANParks generally characterizes elephants as peaceful creatures, they cautioned that elephants can exhibit aggression when ill, injured, or feeling harassed. They explained that elephants may engage in mock charges, which are typically aborted before reaching the target. However, a full-fledged attack can be lethal to other animals, humans, and even vehicles.

South Africa National Parks warns that elephants can become aggressive if they feel threatened. (Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images)