One dead, another injured amid wildfires in Parys and Vereeniging

Widespread wildfires between Parys and Lindequesdrif on the border of Free State and the North West have caused havoc in the area, leading to the death of one person.

Another person sustained serious burn wounds.

Eric Stock, chairperson of the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association, has since warned road users to avoid the road between Parys and Vereeniging.

“This is an emergency warning to all motorists to avoid the Parys and Vereeniging Crossing. There is a massive runaway fire that has crossed the road and the smoke is obstructing (motorists) vision,” he said.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes.