Africa-Press – South-Sudan. At least five women, including four young girls, have reportedly been killed in a wildfire in Tonj North County, Warrap State, according to the state Information Minister.
Minister Mamer Bath said the incident occurred yesterday at Kuet village near Warrap town, the capital of Tonj North, at 3 PM local time.
Bath said the victims were reportedly collecting thatching grass when a sudden wildfire broke out in all directions, leaving the women with little chance to escape.
Among those killed were four girls and a primary eight leaver, a loss that has shocked the local community.
Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, Minister Bath said four other women who were with the group survived the incident but sustained serious injuries.
They were initially treated at a local health facility before being referred to Wau Teaching Hospital for further care.
“I would like to confirm, on behalf of the Government of Warrap State, that a tragic incident occurred yesterday in an area known as Kuet. Young women from the Noi community had gone there to collect thatching grass for house construction when, at around 2 to 3 p.m., a wildfire erupted from multiple directions.
“There were nine women at the site. Five of them died on the spot, while three others, together with one young woman, survived and are currently in critical condition receiving treatment at Wau Teaching Hospital. As a government, we have established that this was a wildfire incident,” he said.
Minister Bath said investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the wildfire and whether negligence or foul play was involved.
He assured the public that those found responsible will be held accountable.
He described the incident as a tragic loss, particularly during the festive season, and called for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
He extended condolences to the community and the bereaved families, as the county mourns the loss of five lives in the devastating wildfire.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
