Australian bushfires kill 2 in New South Wales

MELBOURNE

At least two people were killed, 30 injured and seven missing in bushfires that swept through northern Australia, local media reported Saturday.

High winds and hot weather triggered the bushfires in the countryside of New South Wales, according to ABC news.

The fires have destroyed more than 100 homes and residents were trapped in their homes.

Glen Innes Mayor Carol Sparks where the victims were killed, described the “horrific” fires.

“The school was lost, houses were burnt, people were burnt, lives were lost,” said Sparks, who added that residents battled to save their houses and then had to walk out because their cars had blown.

Rob Rogers, Executive Director Operations at the NSW Rural Fire Service, said he was deeply concerned with the fire.

Rogers said authorities tried their best to help residents affected by the fire.

More than 1,000 firefighters and 70 helicopters are battling blazes.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar