Phu Kradueng National Park: Wild Elephant Kills Tourist

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders

 

An incident unfolded on the morning of December 11, at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province when a wild elephant fatally attacked a domestic tourist, prompting authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and temporarily close high-risk areas.

 

At 09:45 park officials received a report of an elephant attack on the trail between the Buddha Metta statue and Penpob Mai Waterfall, near the Wang Kwang Visitor Center. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of a 49-year-old woman, later identified as Ms. Jiranan from Chachoengsao Province.

 

The victim had been walking along the trail when the attack occurred. This marks the first recorded incident of a tourist being killed by a wild elephant in the park’s history.

 

Following the incident, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, instructed officials from Protected Area Administration Office 8 to investigate and ensure tourist safety. The department has extended its condolences to the victim’s family and pledged full support during this difficult time.

 

Key measures implemented include:

 

1. Temporary Closures: High-risk areas, including trails frequented by wild elephants, such as the path to Penpob Mai Waterfall, are temporarily closed.

2. Increased Patrols: Park rangers have been deployed to monitor and patrol risky zones to prevent further incidents.

3. Visitor Guidelines: Tourists are advised to strictly follow safety instructions and avoid venturing into restricted areas.

 

The nature trails and other low-risk sections of the park remain open under heightened surveillance, but the department emphasised that only areas confirmed to be 100% safe will be accessible to visitors.

 

Officials from Phu Kradueng Police Station, along with medical personnel from Phu Kradueng Hospital, were dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation. Senior police officers, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongpipat Siripornwiwat, Loei Provincial Police Commander, arrived at the site via helicopter to oversee the inquiry.

 

Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was traveling alone when she encountered the elephant. The department has established a fact-finding committee to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and identify measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

 

Phu Kradueng National Park officials and local authorities have expressed their deepest sympathies to the victim’s family. “This is a heartbreaking and unprecedented incident for our park,” said Mr. Adisorn Hemthanont, Chief of Phu Kradueng National Park.

 

The department urged visitors to prioritise safety, especially during interactions with wildlife, and pledged to implement more robust measures to protect both tourists and the natural environment.

 

-- 2024-12-12

 

 

[Briggsy]

I am very surprised this is the first fatality at Phu Kradeung.

 

You have a huge number of tourists (mainly domestic) on a relatively small plateau atop a flat-topped mountain. The elephants, principally active at night, but also active during the day, have regular trails very close to the camping area. Tourists can wander around at will with rangers gently suggesting they don't.