Forestry Officer Dies After Being Struck by Tree While Fighting North Toraja Wildfire

Forestry officer Padayya, 45, in North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, died after being struck by a tree while fighting a forest and land fire in Lembang Nanna, Nanggala District.

“Yes, it is true. A forestry officer died while fighting the blaze after being struck by a tree,” South Sulawesi Forestry and Environment Agency head Andi Kasman told CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday (29 October).

He said Padayya was a government employee on a fixed-term contract (PPPK) with the Saddang II Forest Management Unit (KPH) in North Toraja Regency.

The incident occurred at about 8.50pm Central Indonesian Time on Wednesday (28 October), when Padayya and a joint team were trying to extinguish a fire burning in a forested area in Lembang Nanna, Nanggala District. The fire had been burning since 19 October.

“After fighting the blaze, the victim rested in the middle of the Karre main road. Suddenly, a tree fell and struck him,” Kasman said.

Kasman said the joint team took Padayya to hospital, but his life could not be saved.

“He was taken to Nanggala Community Health Centre and then referred to Elim Rantepao Hospital. However, on arrival, he was pronounced dead,” he said.

Padayya’s body was then taken to the family home to lie in state before being handed over to his family.

“He leaves behind a wife and a daughter who is still in junior secondary school,” Kasman said.