Watch: South Africa Snow Traps Motorists in Freezing Cold
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.
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.”
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