READ: One person has died after their vehicle collided with an elephant near Victoria Falls.

VICTORIA FALLS, – A devastating accident unfolded on Kazungula Road, approximately 40 kilometers from Victoria Falls, on the evening of April 23, 2025, when a Toyota Isis struck a sub-adult female elephant. The collision resulted in one fatality and left five passengers injured, highlighting the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The incident occurred as the vehicle, traveling along the rural road, attempted to overtake a stationary car that had stopped to avoid the elephant. Unaware of the animal’s presence, the driver collided with the elephant, which then fell onto the vehicle’s roof, crushing it and trapping the six occupants inside. Emergency responders worked swiftly to extricate the passengers, but one individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The five survivors were transported to a nearby medical facility, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Local authorities reported that the accident took place around dusk, a time when elephants are known to roam the area, often crossing roads in search of food or water. The force of the impact propelled the vehicle roughly 100 meters into the surrounding bush, underscoring the severity of the crash. The elephant, identified as a sub-adult female, is believed to have sustained injuries, though its condition remains unknown as it fled the scene.

This tragic event has sparked renewed calls for improved wildlife management and road safety measures in the Kazungula region, where human encroachment on elephant habitats has led to frequent encounters. Community leaders and conservationists are urging the installation of warning signs, speed restrictions, and possibly fencing to prevent similar incidents. The accident also serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by navigating roads in wildlife-rich areas, particularly during low-visibility hours.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the crash, with authorities examining factors such as the vehicle’s speed and the driver’s visibility. The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to work with local stakeholders to enhance safety protocols.

As the community mourns the loss and supports the recovery of the injured, this incident underscores the delicate balance between human activity and the preservation of Zimbabwe’s iconic wildlife.

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