Tourists flee in fear from charging elephant | Global News

Two tourists had a terrifying encounter with a charging elephant in India, narrowly escaping being trampled. The heart-stopping moment was captured on video as the men left their car to take selfies with the elephant walking along a road in Bandipur National Park, Karnataka.

As they approached the animal, it suddenly charged towards them, prompting the men to run for their lives. One of them tripped and fell, with the elephant attempting to kick him with its hind leg, narrowly missing his head. The elephant was then distracted by a passing bus, allowing the men to escape unharmed.

Savad C.A, another tourist who witnessed the chase, expressed his fear for the men’s safety, stating that they thought one of them would be trampled by the animal. Fortunately, the elephant turned its attention to the passing vehicle just as it was upon the fallen man.

The incident has prompted an inquiry by the Karnataka Forest Department, with efforts underway to identify the two tourists involved. Trespassing on prohibited forest land in India can result in imprisonment or fines. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of approaching wild animals for the sake of a selfie.

This harrowing incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in interacting with wildlife, and the importance of respecting their space and boundaries.