Firefighting Plane 'may Have Crashed' While Battling Australia Blaze
Muhammad Irfan Published January 23, 2020 | 09:30 AM
Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jan, 2020 ) :A water-bombing plane may have crashed while fighting a massive bushfire in mountains near Sydney, Australian authorities said, as blazes flared across the country Thursday.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service said it was "investigating reports of a serious incident involving an aircraft in southern NSW this afternoon".
"Contact was lost with a large air tanker which was working in the Snowy Monaro area," the agency said in a statement.
"Local ground crews indicate the aircraft may have crashed. A number of helicopters are in the area carrying out a search." The bushfire in the Snowy Mountains, about five hours from Sydney, is burning across almost 94,000 hectares (230,000 acres).
High temperatures and strong winds have fuelled an outbreak of new blazes across several areas in eastern Australia, ending a period of respite following several days of rains and cooler weather.
The country has been battling an unprecedented wave of wildfires since September that have devastated communities, killing at least 29 people and destroying more than 2,000 homes.
According to the Rural Fire Service website, a large air tanker was to be based in New South Wales year-round starting in late 2019.
The Boeing 737 planes, which typically have two pilots on board, can carry more than 15,000 litres of water or fire retardant and are used to support ground crews in their firefighting efforts.
Recent Stories
BISP cash disbursement center set up
DC chairs meeting regarding polio drive in Jhal Magsi
Stormy weather ravages Bahawalnagar's Cholistan areas
Punjab Music Competition schedule released
Mayor LMC chairs council meeting
Pakistan Navy rescue, relief operation continue in rain hit Gwadar, Ormara areas
LHC orders replacement of three environment officers
Iran blasts rattle global markets
Southern Punjab lawyers request CJP to conduct cases through video link in Multa ..
Azerbaijan Ambassador calls on Sindh Governor
Reconciliation in politics is the need of the hour: Irfan Siddiqui
PEI organizes briefing for donors
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
11 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago