By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Three more firefighters who were yesterday fighting the runaway fire on a farm along the R617 near Boston in Mpophomeni, Kwazulu-Natal (KZN), have died in hospital.
According to Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson their crews were dispatched to the Boston area where multiple firefighters were injured in a veld fire.
“Upon arrival, the paramedics were met with a horrific scene, with multiple patients still on fire and several deceased,” Robertson said.
“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 a decision was made to call in additional backup, including an aeromedical helicopter from Netcare 911 with extra equipment to assist on the scene.
Three female firefighters were declared deceased on 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.”
Three other patients died in hospital.
uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas said it appeared to have been a runaway grass fire and that Sappi, Working on Fire, local land owners and uMgungundlovu Fire had also all responded.
The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of workers who were fighting a fire in a plantation.
“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 the incident occurred in an area characterized by difficult terrain, complicating the efforts of the fire and emergency services that were deployed to the scene.
He assured affected farmers that the Provincial Government will do everything possible to ensure that all those people who have no means to help themselves during this difficult time are provided with the necessary assistance.