Two people have been killed and at least 16 others have been injured after a wildfire broke out near the Australian city of Adelaide, according to AFP.
The flames have destroyed over 85,000 hectares and decimated property and livestock, as well as injuring civilians. One victim had burns on more than 80 per cent of their body, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
South Australian premier Jay Weatherill described the attacks as "horrific" and "hard to get in touch with," emphasizing the need to support survivors and families during this difficult time, according to The Guardian. "There will be time for us to reflect on this in due course but we are in the middle of a dangerous situation," Weatherill said on Wednesday.
Two firemen are reportedly among those hospitalized by the flames Wednesday night, with Weatherill stating to reporters that "their condition is being closely monitored, but we do hold grave concerns," according to ABC News. One survivor, Brendan Moten, described the sky darkening with ash as the fire grew more and more threatening. "I feel lucky," he said. "Our place was under threat for a while... It was heading our way but it didn't get there."
Country Fire Service director Brenton Eden assured the public that the fire was now under control and had been contained within a perimeter, but he believes that Wednesday's blaze moved faster than any other he had seen in a decade. Australian bushfires are a frequent risk for the nation, with uncontrollable blazes claiming multiple lives every year. Firefighters in Victoria state have controlled more than 300 fires since Friday, Fox News reported.
One of the victims who lost their life in the fire was Allan Tiller, 69-year-old farmer and the secretary of his local congregation. His church, the Gawler Church of the Nazerene, made a statement on Facebook mourning Tiller's passing.