Knysna fires claim seventh victim
A seventh person has died in connection with the fires ravaging the Knysna area since Wednesday, officials confirmed.
The woman was injured on Thursday and rushed to hospital shortly afterwards.
The Western Cape Government's Etienne du Toit says she received treatment but passed away in the Tygerberg Hospital earlier today.
Meanwhile, a 63-year old man was killed in Concordia yesterday afternoon.
"The man who died was a contract driver who was driving the various teams (of emergency personnel) between the fires," says Chief Director of Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services, Colin Deiner.
"The victim got caught in one of the fires", says Deiner.
An additional five people were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
du Toit explains firefighting efforts are still underway.
"It looks very promising at this stage and the fire as we speak is largely contained," he says.