Elephants escape from park in Uganda, kill 2 people

KAMPALA, Uganda

A group of elephants have escaped from a park in Uganda and killed two people before destroying crops.

According to police, the incident took place in Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the western district of Kasese, around 278 kilometers (172 miles) from the capital Kampala.

"The elephants moved from the park to a neighboring village called Kasandala, where they caused havoc. The government will evaluate the damage done and compensate those affected,” Kasese Resident District Commissioner Joe Walusimbi told Anadolu.

A spokesman for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Bashir Hangi, confirmed the killing of people and destruction of crops by the elephants. He offered his condolences to those who lost their loved ones and promised they would be helped by the government.

Kasandala village chief Augustus Muzimbi told Anadolu that the two people killed were Yoramu Mugisha, who was attacked by the elephants while working in his garden, and Deo Mujuke, who was attacked while coming back from fishing in a nearby lake.

Queen Elizabeth National Park has many wild animals, making it one of the most visited national parks by tourists in the country. ​​​​​​​