In February 1983, brush fires had swept the drought-parched southeaste

In February 1983, brush fires had swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, at least 69 people being killed, and thousands of homes and acres of farmland were left smoldering.


A) had swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, at least 69 people being killed, and thousands of homes and acres of farmland were left smoldering(use of past perfect tense is incorrect)

B) swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, having killed at least 69 people, and thousands of homes and acres of farmland were left smoldering(having is incorrect)

C) swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, killing at least 69 people and had left thousands of homes and acres of farmland smoldering(use of past perfect is incorrect)

D) swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, killing at least 69 people and leaving thousands of homes and acres of farmland smoldering(correct, killing and leaving are parallel )

E) swept the drought-parched southeastern coast of Australia, killing at least 69 people and left thousands of homes and acres of farmland smoldering( use of past tense is incorrect)

Will go with choice D

Thanks