Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, the Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has expressed his deep sadness at the tragic death of six fighters.
The six fighters died on Sunday in Boston outside Pietermaritzburg in the Midlands while battling to contain the runaway fires in the farming community.
In a statement, the MEC said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of six workers who were fighting a fire in a plantation near Mpophomeni, Boston, under the uMngeni Local Municipality.
Five firefighters were transported to hospital with injuries, of which three later died, bringing the total to six.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of these courageous workers who were fighting to protect others from harm,” said Buthelezi.
The MEC extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragic event and wished those injured a speedy recovery, adding that the incident occurred in an area characterised by difficult terrain, complicating the efforts of the fire and emergency services that were deployed to the scene.
He also said that this tragedy brought the total number of lives lost due to runaway fires in the province to 10.
The department also revealed that the wildfires have also damaged crops and livestock, with farmers losing 1 600 animals and 14 000 hectares of grazing land. The widespread veld fires have affected the King Cetshwayo, uThukela and uMzinyathi district municipalities since last Sunday.
Midlands EMS crews reported that they were dispatched to the Boston area, just outside Howick, where multiple firefighters were injured in a veld fire.
On their arrival, the paramedics were confronted with a “horrific” scene, with multiple patients still on fire and several deceased.
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 and the decision was made to call in additional back-up, including an aeromedical helicopter from Netcare 911, with extra equipment to assist on the scene.
“Three firefighters were placed on ventilators on the scene, with one being airlifted to the hospital. Two other patients were also in critical condition, requiring urgent advanced life support treatment,” said the EMS.
“With great sadness, we can confirm that the death toll has risen from 3 to 6, with 3 additional members succumbing to their injuries,” Midlands EMS said in a 6pm update.
uMngeni Local Municipality mayor Chris Pappas who also rushed to the scene after hearing about the tragedy, also expressed his shock at the death of the firefighters.
“The uMngeni Municipality sends our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and thanks all those who responded.
“We would like to warn the local community of the severe fire warning that is in place. Please report any fires as soon as you see them,” said Pappas.
The SA Weather Service warned KZN residents of cold weather with damaging winds and waves resulting in destruction to property, difficult driving conditions, and power interruptions as cold fronts move across the country. It also warned of wild fires.
Residents are urged to call the toll-free disaster hotline on 0800 111 258 to report fires.
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