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2 August 2024
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Fire at Tree Top Chalet claims three lives, Garden Route National Park, Knysna
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On Thursday, 18 July 2024, a fire broke out at the Tree Top Chalet in the Knysna Section of the Garden Route National Park in the Harkerville Forest resulting in the unfortunate passing of three people. The affected chalet was completely gutted. South African Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw said the affected chalet was completely gutted. Louw added that booking records suggest that the victims of the fire included two SANParks staff members.
He said, “The matter is now under investigation by the South African Police Services (SAPS) to determine the cause of the fire and to officially determine the identities of the people who sadly lost their lives. Booking records suggest that the persons who were victims of the fire are two SANParks staff and one non-SANParks staff. SANParks appeal for sensitivity to allow for official police processes to conclude and for the affected families to have the opportunity to attend to what is a most challenging experience,” Louw added.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are being investigated. “The cause of the fire is yet to be established”, he said.
Sources: South African National Parks (SANParks)
He said, “The matter is now under investigation by the South African Police Services (SAPS) to determine the cause of the fire and to officially determine the identities of the people who sadly lost their lives. Booking records suggest that the persons who were victims of the fire are two SANParks staff and one non-SANParks staff. SANParks appeal for sensitivity to allow for official police processes to conclude and for the affected families to have the opportunity to attend to what is a most challenging experience,” Louw added.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are being investigated. “The cause of the fire is yet to be established”, he said.
Sources: South African National Parks (SANParks)