Tour guide risks life attempting to save American tourist horrifically killed by lion

Staff and ambulance response timing is questionable.

As Katherine Chappell, the American tourist attacked and killed by a lion during an African safari tour, was being attacked, the staff of the park hesitated to treat Chappell and the ambulance took a long time to arrive, according to Pierre Potgieter, the tour guide. Potgieter reportedly tried to save Chappell's life as she was dragged out of the car by the large cat.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Potgieter was reported to have sustained arm injuries and a heart attack while attempting to save Chappell. The tour guide, seeing the reluctant staff of The Lion Park, tried to apply first aid to the victim to stop the bleeding from her neck by applying pressure on the area.

However, he noted in desperation that the ambulance arrived after quite some time, which "felt like a very long time" to him. Kalabash Tours defended his actions through a statement released, according to The Daily Mail.

The allegations on the lack of proper response from the staff and the late arrival of the ambulance were both included in the statement issued through Potgieter's wife, Corlien. He claimed that Ms. Chappell opened the window "of her own accord," where she was attacked by the lioness and dragged out, even after his attempts to ward it off.  

The safari park and the staff are under fire after the death of Ms. Chappell, as this attack is not the first incident - it was the third beast attack in four months, making their safety standards all the more questionable.

However, the park has issued a statement of defense, explaining that the ambulance arrived as soon as the attack happened and they had always instructed the visitors to always keep their windows shut.

Although the US Embassy in South Africa has not identified the victim as respect to her family, local and international outlets released her name and other information.

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