Six firefighters lost their lives in a devastating veld fire that swept through the Mpophomeni, Boston area under the uMngeni local municipality. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday when Midlands EMS responded to reports of multiple injuries among firefighters battling the blaze.
Roland Robertson, spokesperson for Midlands EMS, described a harrowing scene upon arrival. “Paramedics encountered a horrific scene with multiple patients still ablaze and several fatalities,” he recounted. Emergency crews, aided by rescue medics, worked tirelessly to stabilize injured individuals amidst the relentless veld fire. Concurrently, firefighting aircraft endeavored to quell the flames.
Additional support was urgently summoned, including an aeromedical helicopter from Netcare 911 equipped with specialized gear. Despite efforts, the toll was severe: three female firefighters succumbed at the scene, while three others required ventilator support, with one airlifted to hospital. Tragically, three more patients later passed away in medical care.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of these courageous firefighters. “According to reports, these brave individuals tragically lost their lives while combating the blaze in a plantation,” he stated. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hoped for a swift recovery for the injured.
Buthelezi acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by emergency services in the rugged terrain where the incident occurred, complicating rescue efforts. He assured affected communities of the Provincial Government’s commitment to providing essential aid to those in need during this trying period. Efforts to obtain comments from the South African Police Services (SAPS) are ongoing and will be incorporated as soon as available.
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