Picture: for illustration purposes
A devastating fire at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Combat Training Centre in Northern Cape has claimed the lives of six soldiers while severely injuring three others. This tragedy occurred as the flames, originating from the adjacent minefield, encroached upon the training area last Friday.
The SANDF has confirmed the casualties and the cause of the fire. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire began at the western border of a nearby mine, rapidly spreading towards the training area.
The present situation reveals that military personnel, part of the South African Army, were in deployment preparation for their annual training exercise, Exercise Vukuhlome, when the incident happened. The names of the soldiers who tragically lost their lives will be made public after their next of kin have been officially informed.
Additional fallout from the fire includes destroyed camping equipment and military vehicles. On-ground assessment continues with a dedicated team of firefighters working diligently towards extinguishing the remaining blaze and investigating the cause of the fire.
The SANDF has assured the public that they will provide further updates as the investigation moves forward.