UK couple in jumbo drama
2007-04-05 19:10
Hartbeespoort - A fall from an elephant in Gauteng has put two tourists from Britain in hospital on the first day of their safari holiday in South Africa.
Michael and Lorna Denyard were finishing an elephant ride at Hartbeespoort elephant sanctuary when the accident occurred.
As the elephant knelt down, Lorna, who was sitting behind her husband, apparently lost her balance and took Michael tumbling with her.
She broke her pelvis and femur, and his femur was broken.
ER24 emergency services responded about 12:00 and treated them at the sanctuary before taking them to Acasia Hospital casualty ward.
Phoned family in UK
A friend who's helping them, Anthony Govender, said they were later transferred to Sunninghill Hospital for surgery.
Govender contacted their family and friends in England to tell them of the accident.
He said the Denyards (both are in their late 30s) arrived in South Africa on Wednesday for a holiday.
Michael and Lorna were scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday evening for the fractures and other injuries.