Cape Town — At least six firefighters have lost their lives while battling veld fires in the Boston area in the midlands of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), emergency services confirmed.
Midlands EMS spokesperson, Roland Robertson, and their crews were dispatched to the Boston area, and multiple firefighters were injured during the veld fire.
He confirmed that, upon arrival, it was a horrific scene where multiple patients were on fire, and others were deceased, IOL reported.
“Midlands EMS crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, worked to stabilise several patients on the scene while the veld fire continued to rage and firefighting aircraft attempted to douse the flames,” Robertson said.
He said the team made the call to bring in additional backup, including a helicopter from Netcare 911 with extra equipment. Robertson said three female firefighters were dead on the scene. Three others died in the hospital, bringing the total up to six.
At least six firefighters have died while battling blazes in Boston, KZN. Three members initially died while responding to a runaway fire on the R617 near Mpophomeni. EMS Midlands Operations Director, Roland Robertson, and Umngeni Local Municipality Mayor, Chris Pappas,… pic.twitter.com/QcmcjjfVMV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 15, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, the Provincial Cooperative and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the workers.
“These brave individuals lost their lives while battling the blaze. We are heartbroken by the loss of these courageous workers who were fighting to protect others from harm. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi added that the fires occurred in an area with difficult terrains which complicated the efforts of the fire and emergency services deployed to the scene. Including the firefighters, the total number of deaths due to the fire is 13.
He visited wild-fire damaged areas in the Zululand district, where he met farmers affected by the wildfire which destroyed more than 13 000 hectares of grazing land.
The provincial government is hard at work to assist affected communities and mitigate the effect of the fires, with Buthelezi calling for parts of the area to be called a disaster area, EWN reported.
“The MEC has called for the province to be declared a disaster area, emphasising the urgent need for additional support and resources to manage the crisis and aid recovery efforts,” KZN COGTA spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
