A zookeeper was mauled to death by a pack of lions in front of horrified tourists at a safari park in Thailand, according to reports.

At around 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, September 10, an employee was fatally attacked after stepping out of his car at Safari World Bangkok, a zoo that people can explore on foot or in their cars, in Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok, the regional outlets Nation Thailand and Bangkok Post reported.

The victim was identified as 58-year-old Jian Rangkharasamee. He was sent to Intrarat Hospital but died of his injuries, according to the outlets.

According to Khan Na Yao Police, Rangkharasamee is believed to have exited his vehicle and bent down to retrieve an item off the ground. He was initially attacked by a lion that pounced on him from roughly 32 feet away. After being struck from behind, he was dragged to the ground and mauled him, with other lions joined in, per Khaosod English.

The attack occurred in the designated lion exhibit area, which visitors can drive through during peak visiting hours. Many tourists watched on in horror as some “tried to help by honking their car horns and shouting for assistance in an effort to get the lions to release their victim,” Nation Thailand reported.

“A lot of people saw what was happening but didn’t know how to help,” Col Dr Thawatchai Kanjanarin, a former surgeon at Phra Mongkutklao Hospital, told Nation Thailand. “At first, they thought the lion might be familiar with the staff member, possibly the one who raised it. People assumed the lion was trying to greet the keeper, so no one intervened.”

The attack lasted 15 minutes before another keeper, identified as Phanom Sitsaeng, was able to reach Rangkharasamee, per Bangkok Post.

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Police believe that Rangkharasamee entered the enclosure to feed the lions while going against the zoo’s safety protocols, according to Nation Thailand.

While driving through the exhibit, visitors are not able to open their windows and must not exit their vehicles. It’s not immediately clear how the safety protocols differ for employees.

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As the sun rose we found this gorgous lioness on a mound backlit gazing upon a herd of Zebras, contemplating a bite to eat.

According to reporting by Khaosod English, the tragic accident is a first for the zoo. Safari World Bangkok will be closed indefinitely, per the Bangkok Post.

Khan Na Yao Police, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident.

People reached out to Safari World Bangkok and the Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department for comment but there was no response.

• A Tell report / First published by People