KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA — A South African safari took a tragic turn on Sunday when a giraffe was hit by a tourist van, which then fell onto another passing jeep in Kruger National Park.
CNN reports that a taxi van carrying 13 tourists was driving through the park when a giraffe suddenly stepped out onto the road.
After being struck by the taxi, the giraffe then fell on a rental safari vehicle carrying two occupants traveling in the opposite direction. The rental was driven by a Swiss national.
The collision unfortunately killed the giraffe and left the driver seriously injured. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The passenger of the rental vehicle and two other tourists from the taxi van also suffered minor injuries.
A press release from the South African National Parks urged the public "to always be watchful of all kinds of species while driving on the roads in the Park."
The statement also added, "these animals have a right of way."
According to CNN, giraffes stand from 14 to 19 feet tall and can weigh as much as 2,800 pounds. Both vehicles involved in the crash sustained serious damage.
Park officials are now investigating the incident.
