Deadly KZN veld fires: COGTA MEC to visit affected areas as death toll climbs
On Sunday, a blaze claimed the lives of three others while seven residents died when their homes were gutted by the inferno.
Aftermath of the veld fire in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, which displaced 53 people and killed one man. Picture: X/KZNTransport
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) department in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has confirmed that three more firefighters have died while battling a veld fire in the midlands.
On Sunday, a blaze claimed the lives of three others while seven residents died when their homes were gutted by the inferno.
ALSO READ: KZN declared a disaster area after destructive runaway veld fires
COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi is expected to visit disaster-hit communities on Monday.
“Various departments across government have been mobilised to provide support to all the communities that have been affected by these raging fires,” said KZN COGTA spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila.
ONE FIREFIGHTER FIGHTING FOR LIFE IN HOSPITAL
The runaway fires hit parts of province a week ago, although it had been contained in most parts things took a different turn over the weekend.
Last week, the COGTA authorities confirmed the veld fires had been contained especially in northern parts of the province where it was most severe.
The devastation has already left seven families mourning their loved ones killed because of the fire.
Umngeni Mayor Chris Pappas gives an account of how the firefighters died.
“Three private fire fighters died on scene and another three died later in hospital due to the severity of their burns. One fire fighter is still in hospital on a ventilator fighting for his life. As of last night, no structures were reported as destroyed.”
Pappas has expressed condolences to those who died in the line of duty.