New Delhi: A beautiful safari at Jaldapara National Park recently turned into a nightmare for seven tourists after their vehicle collided with two rhinos. Seven tourists who were excited to go on a safari adventure boarded the safari jeep and headed towards the jungle. They were hoping to catch a glimpse of the park’s famous one-horned rhinoceros.
As they were driving down the road, they noticed movement in the bushes adjacent to the road. The two rhinos were engaged in a fierce fight, and tourists quickly grabbed their cameras to capture the moment. Little did he know that this would prove to be a disastrous decision.
I think the time has come to implement the safety and rescue guidelines for adventure sports in wildlife safaris across the country. Safaris are becoming more adventure sport now!
Jaldapara today! pic.twitter.com/ISrfeyzqXt— Akash Deep Badhawan, IFS (@aakashbadhawan) February 25, 2023
As the tourists were busy taking pictures and shooting videos, the attention of the rhinos turned towards the jeep. Before anyone could understand anything, both the rhinos charged towards the safari jeep. Driver Kamal Ghazi tried to start the engine and flee but the jeep skidded off the road and fell into a tunnel adjacent to the road.
IANS reported that the impact of the fall was severe and all the seven tourists were injured. Some have broken bones, while others have cuts and bruises. Driver Kamal Ghazi suffered minor injuries, but the shock of the incident was clearly visible on his face.
Forest Department officials immediately rushed to the spot and took the injured tourists to the local Madarihat Health Center. Two of them were in critical condition and were shifted to Alipurduar District Hospital. The incident took the officials by surprise as there had never been any reports of rhinos coming towards tourist vehicles in Jaldapara National Park.
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The incident was a wake-up call for all, and park officials have now put up signs warning tourists to keep a safe distance from the wildlife. Driver Kamal Ghazi, who has been in this profession for a long time, expressed surprise and said that such a situation had never come before him. He said that it was a matter of gratitude that no one lost his life and the situation could have been worse.