At Least 19 People Die in Wildlife Park Fire
A brush fire swept through a popular wildlife park in northeastern South Africa, killing at least 19 people before it was brought under control. About 173,000 acres burned.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in the southwestern part of Kruger National Park and was fanned by strong winds, a National Parks Board spokesman said. The cause was not immediately known.
Fifteen women from nearby villages who had been hired to cut grass were killed when the fire encircled their temporary camp. Four park rangers who were part of the rescue effort also were killed.
A number of animals, including four elephants, died, the spokesman said.
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