By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
AIT LIVEAIT LIVEAIT LIVE
  • Live TV
  • Politics
  • National News
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Global
  • Videos
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
AIT LIVEAIT LIVE
Search AIT
  • Live TV
  • Politics
  • National News
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Global
  • Videos
Follow US

Australia fires: PM Morrison apologises for US holiday amid crisis

Last updated: December 22, 2019 5:33 am
5 years ago
Share
2 Min Read
Morrison

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has apologised for going on holiday in Hawaii this week while the nation’s bush fire crisis worsened.

Fires are raging across the nation amid a heat wave which has produced the nation’s two hottest days on record.

Two volunteer firefighters died on Thursday while fighting a huge blaze near Sydney, while a civilian died in South Australia on Friday.

Mr Morrison said he would end his leave early.

His absence this week, as well as his initial refusal to confirm his whereabouts, has drawn condemnation and protests.

“I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” he said on Friday.

Australia’s bushfire emergency has killed eight people, destroyed more than 700 houses and scorched millions of hectares since September.

More than 100 fires broke out in South Australia amid “catastrophic” conditions on Friday, while New South Wales (NSW) is bracing for similar conditions on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to Geoffrey Keating, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, who died when their truck was hit by a falling tree near a fire front, causing it to roll off the road.

Three other firefighters who were also in the vehicle survived with minor injuries.

NSW fire commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters everywhere were grieving over the “huge loss” of the two young fathers, who were caught up in “the worst imaginable set of circumstances”.

“[They] simply went out, doing a remarkable job, like all their colleagues, and like they have done year-in, year-out, and to not be coming home after their shift is a tremendous grief,” he said.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said another person had been killed in Murraylands, when the car they were driving hit a tree.

The death has been linked to one of 120 fires that broke out in South Australia on Friday

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Print
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

RSS APO Group – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa

  • Gentle Communication is Witness to Christ’s Peace: A reflection on the message of the 59th World Day of Communications for 2025 (By Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo) June 1, 2025
  • Mining in Motion to Host African Ministers Driving Extractive Sector Growth June 1, 2025
  • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) women reclaim purpose and power at 2025 international women’s day retreat May 31, 2025
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE) Expresses Solidarity with Nigeria and Conveys Condolences Over Victims of Flood May 31, 2025
  • Breaking News: African Leadership Magazine Announces Winners for the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) May 31, 2025

Trending

aitlive 9
Breaking: INEC admits glitch in results transmission as Court Reserves Judgement In Atiku’s Petition Against Tinubu, electoral body
2023 Elections Headlines
aitlive 1 19 1
Nigeria Air: MD Confirms Unveiled Aircraft Was Hired Ethiopia Flight
Local
LABOUR PARTY
Breaking: LP And Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, Get Court Permission To Inspect Forensic Materials
2023 Elections
AIT-IMAGES - US House Republicans
US House Republicans authorize Biden impeachment inquiry
World
PETER OBI
Drama in court as judges order Peter Obi’s legal team to go home
Headlines

Section

  • Headlines
  • Local
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Entertainment

Programmes

  • Kakaaki
  • Focus Nigeria
  • Democracy Today
  • People Politics and Power
  • News Hour
  • AIT Reports
  • World News
  • Moneyline With Nancy
  • Jigsaw

About Us

  • About AIT
  • Our History
  • Our Awards
  • Our Values
  • Privacy Policy


Follow US
© AIT.LIVE. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS HEADLINE AND EVENT OF THE DAY

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive daily news update direct in your inbox!

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?