Four die in their cars fleeing WA bushfires
Two women and two men are dead after trying to escape bushfires near Esperance in Western Australia in their vehicles.
A bushfire burning out of control near Esperance on Western Australia's south coast. AAP Image/Michael Sainty
They were travelling in two separate cars and WA police are now investigating the deaths, state Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson told reporters in Perth on Wednesday.
“There are two adult males and two adult females involved,” he said.
“I understand there was a single male occupant in one vehicle and three other deceased in another vehicle.”
Gregson could not confirm if two more people had died in the blazes which broke out in Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and surrounding areas north of Esperance.
Gregson said it was yet to be confirmed, but three properties were feared destroyed.
While media reports suggested a school had been burnt down, he said he did not believe that was the case.
Department of Education spokesman Ken Paris said it was understood the schools were intact.
“We believe that the infrastructure at this stage is all OK but, again, we’ll await further advice particularly with regards to Grass Patch and Salmon Gums as the day unfolds,” he told the ABC.
– AAP
