Rwanda: Three Dead As Wild Fire Guts Akagera Park
Rwanda: Three Dead As Wild Fire Guts Akagera Park
3 September 2007
published by allafrica.com
Kigali, Rwanda — Three games rangers died in wildfire that gutted Akagera National Park that lies along the eastern border of Rwanda. Four other game rangers suffered severe burn injuries and are admitted in a critical condition at King Faisal hospital in Kigali city.
The Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) identified the dead as Mr. Habuhazi Emmanuel, Mr. Charite Emmanuel and Mr.Dushime Theogene. “Their death is a big loss to ORTPN, their families and the whole country. We shall always acclaim their bravery, self sacrifice and dedication to protection of Akagera National Park. We send our condolences to their respective families and loved ones,” the tourism authority said in statement.
The authorities said that wild fire broke out at around 4pm on August 21 in Magash which is in the north eastern part of Akagera National Park.
The injured were among a rescue team that tried to put out the blazing fire that is suspected to have been sparked off by poachers.
Poachers, it is said lure the wildlife using burnt vegetation which is good animal fodder.
According to statistics, most of the poachers that have been caught are from neigbouring Tanzania.
