NEW DELHI: A German tourist died in India after he was attacked by a wild elephant in a forest reserve, police said Wednesday.
The 77-year-old was riding a hired scooter in Tiger Valley in southern Tamil Nadu state on Tuesday evening when the agitated elephant attacked him on a hilly forest road, tossing the tourist into the woods.
“He failed to understand warnings by other travelers who had stopped a safe distance after spotting the wild elephant and drove ahead,” said Uma, a police officer who uses only one name.
“The elephant attacked him and he died on the way to a local hospital,” the officer told AFP.
Police said they had tried contacting the dead man’s family “but no one responded to our calls.”
Local media reported that the tourist continued driving toward the wild elephant despite warnings by travelers who were waiting for the animal pass — and honked loudly to drive it away.
His decision to “ignore warnings and attempt to cross the road despite the elephant’s presence led to the fatal accident,” forest officer G. Venkatesh said, according to the New Indian Express newspaper.
India has an estimated 30,000 wild Asian elephants.
In India, elephants attack locals regularly — and vice versa — as humans encroach into forest areas.
German tourist killed by wild elephant in India
https://arab.news/gfvnx
German tourist killed by wild elephant in India
- Police said they had tried contacting the dead man’s family “but no one responded to our calls“
- The tourist continued driving toward the wild elephant despite warnings by travelers
Messi to unveil 21-meter statue of himself on India ‘GOAT’ tour
- Iron sculpture in Kolkata is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities
- Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week
KOLKATA: Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-meter (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, said the structure was built inside 40 days.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honor to visit India and interact with the fans.
“India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in a statement.
“India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honor and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
