The cause of the fire that destroyed Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort in KwaZulu-Natal remains unknown as investigations are ongoing.
Story Summary:
- The cause of the fire that destroyed Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort remains unknown as investigations continue.
- The resort was engulfed by a runaway veld fire that spread from the Drakensberg Mountains, destroying the property.
- The resort’s management is focused on rebuilding and supporting displaced guests and staff.
What caused the Drakensberg resort fire?
In a statement, The Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort confirmed that the fire began on Thursday night as a runaway veld fire in the Drakensberg Mountains and rapidly spread to the resort.
Gale-force winds accelerated the fire’s descent down the mountainside, quickly engulfing the chalets and main building.
Stuart Lamont, the executive chairman of First Group, which owns the resort, provided insight into the tragic event through a statement posted on the resort’s Facebook page.
He described how the fire spread uncontrollably due to the strong winds:
“The fire spread rapidly down the mountainside. The chalets caught fire first. Gale-force winds blew burning timbers from the log cabins across the swimming pool and set the resort’s main building ablaze as well.”
The intensity of the fire left the resort in ruins, and despite the best efforts of the staff, nothing could be done to save the structures.
Lamont assured that the resort was adequately insured and that plans for rebuilding are already in place, though the immediate focus is on addressing the needs of those affected.
Guest Barbara Whiting, who was staying at the resort during the fire, shared her harrowing experience on social media, describing the scene as she and others fled the flames:
“Smoke and flames were everywhere, as I left the resort with about 10 other cars.” Her account reflects the fear and chaos that gripped guests as they hurried to escape the advancing fire.
The resort’s management expressed deep sorrow for the ordeal endured by their guests and staff. In their statement, they acknowledged the trauma and loss and promised to reach out to those affected:
“To all our valued guests who have experienced this terrible disaster alongside our Bushman’s Nek family, we are deeply sorry for the trauma and loss you have endured. We will be reaching out soon to address your remaining questions and concerns.”
The management also committed to rebuilding the resort, emphasising their dedication to moving forward despite the devastation:
“As devastating as this situation is, our Management team is committed to finding the opportunity that always follows calamity.”
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, ongoing investigations aim to uncover the factors that led to such rapid devastation.
