One killed, eight critically burned in runaway grass fire
All the injured and the deceased were cutting savanna grass used for thatch roofs when the incident occurred
ONE woman has been killed and eight others are in critical condition after being caught in a runaway grass fire in Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on Monday afternoon.
The incident was reported around 3.45pm, William Ntladi, Ekurhuleni emergency services spokesman, said.
On arrival, paramedics and firefighters from Ekurhuleni, Lesedi and Netcare 911 all worked together to provide pre-hospital medical treatment to the injured. All patients sustained facial and full thickness burn wounds on various parts of their bodies.
Ntladi said seven of the casualties were transported by road to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus, while the eighth was airlifted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
All the injured and the deceased were cutting savanna grass used for thatch roofs when the incident occurred. They were all concentrating on their grass cutting duties when they were alerted of strong runaway blazes. Apparently they all tried to outrun it but failed.
The cause of the fire is undetermined. An inquest docket has been opened with the police.
