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West Coast fire fighter dies in the line of duty, another injured
A West Coast fire fighter, Esmeralda Blaauw, died in a motor vehicle crash while responding to an emergency call in the Cederberg region on Saturday evening, 19 December 2020. The fire fighters were responding to a large vegetation fire at the Dwarsrivier Farm when the emergency vehicle which they were travelling in left the road. Esmeralda was declared dead on the scene while her colleague, Reduwaan Cloete, was air lifted to the Chris Barnard Memorial Hospital where he is receiving intensive care. Esmeralda has been employed at the West Coast Fire and Rescue Services for twelve years and has been described as a dedicated and committed fire fighter. “Our fire fighters always go beyond the call of duty and the death of one of our own fire fighters, in line of duty, is heart breaking. Esmeralda was a very diligent fire fighter and she inspired other fire fighters, especially women, to consider a career as a fire fighter. The most recent medical report indicated that Reduwaan is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Our thoughts are also with him and his family during this time and we pray that he makes a full recovery”, said Wilhelm Markus, director of Administration and Community Services at West Coast District Municipality. West Coast District Municipality is rendering counselling and support services to the family and colleagues of Esmeralda and Reduwaan. The Council and Executive Management express their sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Esmeralda. May her soul rest in peace. Funeral arrangements have not been finalised at the time of publication.
Fire and Rescue International offer our deepest condolences to Esmeralda’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Reduwaan in hospital. Source: Wilhelm Markus, director of Administration and Community Services at West Coast District Municipality |
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