British teacher and her Kiwi cousin, both 67, were killed ‘in a matter of seconds’ by charging elephant on walking safari in Zambia, inquest hears

A retired British teacher and his cousin died ‘within seconds’ after being crushed by a charging elephant on safari in Zambia, a coroner has concluded.

Janet Taylor Easton, 67, was killed along with her New Zealand cousin Alison Taylor, also 67, in South Luangwa National Park on July 3 last year.

Miss Easton, who Janice also attended, was a chemistry teacher at Titus Salt School in Baildon, Bradford, but retired in August 2022.

Deputy coroner Caroline Chandler gave the verdict at Bradford Coroner’s Court on Tuesday after the inquest was previously adjourned pending a report from the Zambian Ministry of Tourism.

However, BBC Ms Chandler said the report did not add up to much and concluded their deaths were unfortunate.

The inquest heard Ms Easton and her cousin went on a walking safari holiday to South Luangwa National Park, organized by travel company Expert Africa.

Ms Chandler said the women planned to go on a guided walk to the Luangwa River, canoe from there and continue flying towards Bush camp.

The group was accompanied by a guide and followed by a follower, the inquest was told.

The safari guides who were with the group opened fire on the elephant in a desperate attempt to stop it from attacking the women (file photo)

Ms Chandler said the guide saw a female elephant and a younger elephant, but the animals were far away and ‘appeared peaceful’.

‘The guide arranged the walking path so that it was downwind and unnoticeable,’ he said.

But he said what happened next happened ‘in a matter of seconds’.

‘The scout saw the elephant attacking from behind and shouted towards the scout, who fired a warning shot. The elephant did not stop. ‘The elephant reached the group too quickly and Janice fell.’

The investigation said the cause of death was traumatic chest injuries and an elephant attack.

Recording his conclusion, Chandler said: ‘Janice was on a walking safari and that day she set out with full intention and determination on what she intended to be a beautiful trip. ‘He certainly didn’t expect it to end so sadly.’

The elephant was shot and injured as a result of the fire, but the guides could not prevent the attack and both women died at the scene.

The tourist couple, who stayed in the camp for four days, was heading towards another camp called Takwela Camp before the attack.

A local person paid tribute to the two women. ‘An exploratory walk at sunrise near Big Lagoon Bush Camp took a harrowing turn when a nursing elephant carrying her calf instinctively charged in,’ they said.

‘Despite the presence of trained guides, the incident unfolded very quickly.’

The couple ‘spent four peaceful days immersed in the lap of nature. “Their journey was supposed to continue, but instead we remember them for their courage, curiosity and love of life’s wild places,” they added.

According to the South Luangwa National Park website, the animal density in the area is one of the densest in Africa.

Female elephants are very protective of their young and can react aggressively to things they perceive as threats.