At least 52 stampeding buffaloes killed in Zambia

File photograph of an Indian herder returns with water buffaloes on a dry river bed in India. At least 52 Cape buffaloes in a herd crossing a river in Zambia’s largest game reserve were killed in a stampede, wildlife authorities said on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. AFP PHOTO/SANJAY KANOJIA

LUSAKA, Zambia–At least 52 Cape buffaloes in a herd crossing a river in Zambia’s largest game reserve were killed in a stampede, wildlife authorities said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Friday in Kafue National Park, in the south of the country, which is home to thousands of Cape buffaloes.

“We have so far counted 52 buffaloes but there could be more as we suspect some might have been eaten by crocodiles,” said Readith Muliyunda, the spokesman of Zambia Wildlife Authority.

Muliyunda told that it was unusual for a stampede to cause so many deaths.

It is not clear what provoked the rush.

The vast park covers some 22,400 square kilometers (8,650 square miles).