Dramatic Encounter: British Tourists’ Vehicle Tossed by an Elephant on South African Safari

A safari vacation offers an unrivaled chance to engage with some of the world’s most majestic creatures.

Yet, for two British tourists, an encounter with an elephant in South Africa’s Kruger National Park was much more intimate than they had ever anticipated.

Rampage: The huge bull elephant emerges from the bushes and rambles onto the dirt road towards the small Chevrolet Aveo car in South Africa's Kruger National Park — Rampage: The huge bull elephant emerges from the bushes and rambles onto the dirt road towards the small Chevrolet Aveo car in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

Chris Hare and Helen Jennings, both 40 and recently engaged, experienced a hair-raising encounter when a bull elephant aggressively rammed and tossed their car. Remarkably, the couple escaped the terrifying incident with only minor injuries.

Hare recounted the chilling event, “As we turned the bend, this massive creature was before us. Initially, it seemed to pass by our vehicle.

Might of way: The Chevrolet Aveo is now in touching distance of the charging elephant — Might of the way: The Chevrolet Aveo is now in touching distance of the charging elephant.

Still, in an unexpected turn, the elephant thrust its tusk against it, flipping it upside down. It was surreal; I couldn’t believe this was happening.”

Vasti Fourie, a fellow traveler in the same safari convoy, witnessed the shocking scene unfold. She described how the elephant lifted the car with its tusk, dropped it on its roof, and then calmly walked away.

“The incident happened in the blink of an eye. The sight of the driver kneeling in shock beside the overturned car was deeply unsettling. It was a first for all of us,” she said.

Trunk road: The huge elephant wanders out onto the road moments before it thrusts its tusks into the little car.

Look out behind: The angry jumbo charges up behind the Chevrolet Aveo and lifts its rear into the air with its tusks.

Hare and Jennings, from Stockton-on-Tees, UK, spent three days in the park as part of their holiday before their planned trip to Durban.

Park officials found traces of blood on the couple’s vehicle, leading them to speculate that the elephant may have been suffering from a tooth abscess.

The animal is currently being monitored to determine if medical treatment is necessary.

Calm before the storm: The elephant then gives up on that car, only to return later to flip another car, this time carrying British couple, Chris Hare, and fiancée Helen Jennings — The calm before the storm: The elephant momentarily backs away from the vehicle.

Aftermath: The occupants of the upturned Hyundai Atos were named as British tourists Chris Hare, 40, and fiancee Helen Jennings, also 40.

Reynold Thakhuli, a South Africa National Parks spokesman, issued a cautionary reminder for tourists, emphasizing the importance of respect and caution around wild animals.

“If an animal approaches your vehicle, stay calm and move away slowly. Elephants, in particular, can be unpredictable and dangerous when they feel threatened,” he advised.