By Lerato Mpembe
HARRISMITH – In a devastating turn of events, a severe snowstorm that struck South Africa over the weekend has claimed one life and left hundreds of motorists stranded along the N3 Highway, which connects Johannesburg to Durban. The heavy snowfall, which began on Friday, brought traffic to a standstill, trapping numerous vehicles and their occupants in freezing conditions.
The uMngeni Municipal emergency centre has confirmed that despite extensive efforts to assist those stranded, one person has tragically passed away due to exposure to the extreme cold. The victim, who was traveling in a taxi from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal, succumbed to hypothermia after spending the night trapped in sub-zero temperatures.
Efforts to Assist Stranded Motorists
The emergency centre, which has been operating tirelessly since the onset of the snowstorm, expressed its gratitude to local community members who have provided blankets, hot meals, and shelter to the affected individuals. Volunteers from nearby towns, as well as emergency personnel, have been working around the clock to deliver relief supplies to those stranded on the N3.
In a statement, the uMngeni Municipal emergency centre said, “We have done everything within our power to assist those stranded in these incredibly difficult conditions. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our condolences to the victim’s family.” The centre also thanked the volunteers and local businesses that had stepped up to offer much-needed support to those caught in the freezing weather.
Three families were successfully rescued and brought to safety at the emergency centre, but hundreds of others remain stranded, with road closures continuing to impede rescue efforts. The snowfall has caused widespread disruption, not only on the N3 but also on several other roads across KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in high-altitude areas such as Van Reenen’s Pass, where snowdrifts have rendered roads impassable.
The Victim’s Last Moments
The individual who passed away was part of a group traveling in a taxi that became trapped in the snow overnight. After spending hours exposed to the cold, the taxi passengers sought refuge at a nearby shopping centre in Merrivale. According to reports, the victim collapsed upon arrival at the centre, showing signs of severe hypothermia. Midlands EMS, a local emergency medical service, responded to the scene and immediately began treating the individual.
“Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care,” said Roland Robertson, spokesperson for Midlands EMS. “Despite our best efforts to resuscitate the patient, they were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”
This tragic incident has highlighted the severity of the conditions faced by those stranded on the N3, where temperatures dropped below freezing overnight, compounded by strong winds and continuous snowfall.
Road Closures and Weather Warnings
The N3 Toll Concession has confirmed that several sections of the highway, including Van Reenen’s Pass, remain closed as authorities work to clear the snow and restore traffic flow. Sanral, the South African National Roads Agency, has deployed graders and snowplows to assist with the clearing of the road, but progress has been slow due to the intensity of the snowfall.
In a statement, Vusi Mona, Sanral’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, warned that conditions on the N3 are still dangerous. “Visibility along the route is poor as cold and wet weather conditions continue,” he said. “We are doing everything we can to assist, but we urge motorists to delay all travel to the affected region until it is deemed safe by the authorities.”
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 8 weather warning for the affected areas, cautioning residents and travelers of further disruptive snow and the formation of black ice on the roads. Several municipalities, including uMngeni, Alfred Duma, and Okhahlamba, have been placed on high alert, with local disaster management teams working to provide assistance where possible.
Relief Efforts and Community Support
As rescue efforts continue, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) has been on the ground since Friday, delivering hot meals and blankets to stranded motorists. The organisation has set up relief points along the N3 and in nearby towns, providing much-needed support to those waiting for the roads to reopen.
“We are here to provide comfort and support, no matter the weather,” said a SARCS spokesperson. “This is a difficult situation, but we are doing everything we can to ensure that those affected are taken care of.”
In addition to the Red Cross, local businesses have also played a crucial role in the relief efforts. Several restaurants and petrol stations along the N3 have opened their doors to stranded motorists, offering free food, coffee, and shelter from the cold.
Disruptions to Essential Services
The snowstorm has not only affected road travel but has also caused disruptions to essential services in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Several towns in the region have reported power outages, with fallen trees and snow accumulation causing damage to power lines. Water supply has also been interrupted in some areas, with technical teams working to restore services as quickly as possible.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to prepare for prolonged outages as the weather conditions continue to hamper repair efforts. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has urged residents to remain indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Calls for Caution as Conditions Persist
As the snow continues to fall and temperatures remain dangerously low, authorities are reiterating their calls for caution. KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has urged people to stay away from the N3 and other major routes affected by the snow.
“We understand that people need to travel, but the conditions on the roads are extremely hazardous,” Duma said. “Our priority is to ensure that everyone is safe, and we ask that motorists please avoid these areas until it is safe to travel.”
Duma also expressed concern for those with chronic illnesses who may have been trapped in the snow without access to food, water, or medication. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the hardship that so many are facing, but we are doing everything we can to assist those in need,” he said.
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