Close X
Sunday, March 2, 2025
ADVT 
International

Canadian Couple In Their 70s Among The Dead In Tennessee Wildfire

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Dec, 2016 12:54 PM
  • Canadian Couple In Their 70s Among The Dead In Tennessee Wildfire
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — A couple from Canada is among the victims of a wildfire that ravaged the Smoky Mountains resort city of Gatlinburg, Tenn.
 
Authorities say 71-year-old Jon Tegler and 70-year-old Janet Tegler are among 13 people who have died as a result of the fires.
 
The dead also included a Memphis couple who was separated from their three sons. The three young men learned their parents had died as they were recovering in hospital.
 
Other fatalities included a woman who was vacationing in Gatlinburg and died of a heart attack after she was exposed to smoke. Identities for the other victims have not been released.
 
The trouble began Monday when a wildfire, likely caused by a person, spread from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into the Gatlinburg area as hurricane-force winds toppled trees and power lines, blowing embers in all directions.
 
Gatlinburg's fire chief said more than 20 structures caught fire in a matter of minutes, starting a blaze which grew rapidly.
 
More than 14,000 residents and visitors in Gatlinburg were forced to evacuate, and the typically bustling tourist city has been shuttered ever since.
 
Local officials bowing to pressure from frustrated property owners said they would allow people back into most parts of the city Friday morning, with residents having to go through a check point showing proof of ownership or residency.
 
Officials hope to open the city's main roads to the public by Wednesday.
 
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said the number of buildings damaged by the wildfire is now approaching 1,000.
 
"I can't describe to you the feelings we have over this tragedy," he said during a news conference with the governor and U.S. senators.
 
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash has said the fires were "likely to be human-caused" but has refused to elaborate, saying only that the investigation continues. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are helping investigate the cause.
 
About 10,000 acres burned inside the country's most visited national park. Another 6,000 acres were scorched outside of the park.

MORE International ARTICLES

Donald Trump's Comments Have 'Shaken Me To My Core', Says Michelle Obama

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Michelle Obama said Thursday that Republican nominee Donald Trump bragging on a 2005 tape about his fame allowing him to "do anything to women" shook her to the core.

Donald Trump's Comments Have 'Shaken Me To My Core', Says Michelle Obama

Pakistani Boy, 7, Beaten, Bullied On US Schoolbus 'Because He's Muslim'

Pakistani Boy, 7, Beaten, Bullied On US Schoolbus 'Because He's Muslim'
A 7-year-old Pakistani-origin boy was allegedly beaten up by five classmates on a school bus in the US for being a Muslim, an incident that has forced his family to move back to Pakistan fearing "Donald Trump's America".

Pakistani Boy, 7, Beaten, Bullied On US Schoolbus 'Because He's Muslim'

India Russia's 'Privileged Strategic Partner': Putin

India Russia's 'Privileged Strategic Partner': Putin
He underlined India-Russia partnership in the development of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and building of a new fifth-generation fighter aircraft as "the successful joint projects" of the two countries.

India Russia's 'Privileged Strategic Partner': Putin

Winter Break Trips to warm volunteers’ hearts

Winter Break Trips to warm volunteers’ hearts
Projects Abroad encourages everyone to stay active and give back throughout the holiday season by volunteering abroad

Winter Break Trips to warm volunteers’ hearts

2 Arrested After Sikh-American Brutally Beaten, Hair Forcibly Cut In California

2 Arrested After Sikh-American Brutally Beaten, Hair Forcibly Cut In California
Two persons have been arrested in connection with an alleged hate crime attack on a 41-year-old Sikh-American IT professional in the US, police said today.

2 Arrested After Sikh-American Brutally Beaten, Hair Forcibly Cut In California

Home Of Indian-American Running For Congress Vandalised

Home Of Indian-American Running For Congress Vandalised
The home of an Indian-American social-worker running for the US Congress in New Jersey was vandalised and painted with large swastikas by some unidentified miscreants, prompting police to launch a probe.

Home Of Indian-American Running For Congress Vandalised