BREAKING: Firefighter dies in the Southern Cape

09 June 2017 - 10:36

By Petru Saal

INFERNO: A massive fire blazes at the Kranshoek viewpoint, near Plettenberg Bay, yesterday morning. It spread quickly due to strong winds, tearing along the coast and cutting inland by midday towards Cairnbrogie and the Kranshoek community. This is just one of many fires raging between Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay yesterday.

Image: EWALD STANDER INFERNO: A massive fire blazes at the Kranshoek viewpoint, near Plettenberg Bay, yesterday morning. It spread quickly due to strong winds, tearing along the coast and cutting inland by midday towards Cairnbrogie and the Kranshoek community. This is just one of many fires raging between Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay yesterday.

A firefighter has died after he sustained burns to 70% of his body while combating raging fires along the Garden Route.

The death brings to 10 the total number of fatalities after a severe storm lashed the Western Cape and runaway fires forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from Knysna.

On Friday the fires threatened nearby Plettenberg Bay.

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Local government spokesman James-Brent Styan told TimesLIVE on Friday: “Sadly‚ we have had 10 deaths so far. Five in the (Cape) metropole and five in the Eden District."

The firefighter was taken to hospital on Thursday after sustaining 70% burn wounds. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

A member of the public was also taken to hospital on Thursday with 50% burn wounds.

- TMG Digital/TimesLIVE

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