Bosses speak of elephant tragedy

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The owners of a Zimbabwean safari lodge have spoken of the moment an elephant killed a British mother and daughter.

Veronica Parker, 47, and Charlotte, 10, were trampled to death when a bull elephant charged at them on Saturday.

The owners of the Hide Safari Camp in the Hwange National Park said their deaths were a "tragedy".

The lodge has suspended all walking in the park following the incident and has launched an investigation along with the police and wildlife authorities.

A statement from the lodge owners said: "The directors, management and staff of the Hide Safari Camp have been severely shocked by this incident.

"While we are trying to come to terms with and fully comprehend this tragedy, our foremost concerns and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones."

Rifle discharged

They said the pair had set off on a walk in the park with a guide who was a qualified professional hunter when they were charged by the elephant.

The statement continued: "The guide was knocked over after discharging his rifle but he was unable to stop the elephant.

"He is in hospital in a physically stable condition and fortunately a third guest with the group was not physically harmed."

The Foreign Office said the pair were British expatriates who had lived abroad for some years.

Elephants charged and trampled 12 people to death in 2005, according to official figures of reported incidents.