Three European backpackers have died in an Australian bushfire, while trying to save a horse.
As multiple blazes raged in southern Western Australia on Wednesday, Norwegian woman Anna Winther, 31, German woman Julia, 19, and British man Tom, 31, tried to flee in a vehicle, according to local media reports. A local farmer, Kim Curnow, also lost his life in the blaze.
According to ABC News, the trio were caught in the volatile fire after taking a wrong turn, while towing a horse float trying to save Tom's horse from the fires.
The travellers were working on a property about 55 km north of Esperance, according to WA Today. It is not far from the property where Curnow lost his life, as he tried to warn neighbours of the oncoming danger.
Police have confirmed four people died in the bushfires, but have not confirmed the identities of the victims. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paid tribute to the dead.
Lucy & I join all Australians in expressing our love & solidarity for the families who lost loved ones in the terrible fires at Esperance.— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) November 18, 2015
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WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said the blazes were caused by a series of dry lightening strikes. The hot, dry and windy weather in the state over the weekend resulted in "catastrophic fire conditions."
Fires are expected to rage for days in the area.