Kruger game park fire death toll rises to 22

The death toll in South Africa's Kruger National Park fire has risen to 22.

The death toll in South Africa's Kruger National Park fire has risen to 22.

It follows the death of three people who were initially rescued with severe burns.

Most of those killed were women from neighbouring villages who had been hired to cut grass. Four park rangers, who had been part of the rescue effort, were also killed.

At least seven other people, some with severe burns, were treated for injuries at nearby hospitals.

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A number of animals, including four elephants, were also killed, and 110,000 acres of vegetation were destroyed.

Helicopters are dropping water on the brush fire to try and contain the blaze, which has been fanned by strong winds.

Kruger is one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations, drawing close to one million visitors a year. Roughly the size of Israel, it has more than 1,100 different species of wildlife and trees.

PA