TWO PEOPLE DIE FROM HYPOTHERMIA WHILE STUCK IN SNOW ON N3

Two people have died from hypothermia after they were trapped in their car during a heavy snowstorm on the N3. The snow caused many roads in KwaZulu-Natal to be closed and motorists were forced to spend two nights in their cars.

The province’s acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said rescue efforts managed to reach most motorists. The Red Cross and the Al Imdaad Foundation provided food, water and hot meals to those stranded.

Members from the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force were on standby with helicopters to assist in delivering the items.

Madlopha-Mthethwa confirmed that even though all the roads have now been opened again “they urge all residents to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety during these challenging weather conditions”.

IOL reports that in an update on Sunday night, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the re-opened key routes are in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.

The GCIS said in a statement that the extensive backlog of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared. Motorists are advised to resume their travels on Monday.”

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