An elephant was shot dead after collapsing onto a car, killing one person and injuring five others.

The juvenile tusker reportedly collided with a silver Toyota Isis along Kazungula Road in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on April 23.

The animal fell onto the vehicle, crushing it and trapping six people inside.

Locals called emergency responders while the injured elephant lay across the crumpled roof.

Footage shows forest rangers firing at the distressed animal to access the victims. The elephant can be heard groaning in pain as it was shot.

One survivor said their driver had tried to overtake a stationary vehicle that had stopped to avoid the elephant.

All six occupants were trapped for more than 30 minutes.

Emergency services arrived swiftly, but the front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The other five were taken to a hospital for treatment.

To retrieve the body and ensure public safety, rangers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife euthanised the elephant.

The decision has sparked debate, with conservationists questioning whether non-lethal methods like tranquilisation could have been used.

Kazungula Road is a known wildlife corridor where elephants and other animals often cross.

However, the area reportedly lacks adequate safety measures, such as warning signs or barriers, raising concerns about both driver and animal safety.