Spanish tourist killed by elephant at Thai sanctuary

BANGKOK: A “panic-stricken” elephant killed a Spanish tourist while she was bathing the animal at a sanctuary in southern Thailand, police said on Monday.

The 23-year-old woman was hit by the stressed animal’s trunk at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Phang Nga province, according to police. “A female tourist was killed while bathing an elephant,” Jaran Bangprasert, the local police chief said.

Authorities have contacted the Spanish embassy to confirm the victim’s identity.