Venezuela: Python kills snake handler

CARACAS, Venezuela, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- A student zookeeper was killed and nearly swallowed by a Burmese python in the Caracas, Venezuela, zoo, officials said.

Workers at the zoo beat the 10-foot snake as it was trying to swallow the head of Erick Arrieta until the reptile released the victim, El Universal reported Tuesday.

Arrieta reportedly broke zoo rules over the weekend when he opened the snake's cage while working alone in the reptile section of the zoo.