Ekurhuleni police recover body of a drown victim
A 67-year-old man lost his life due to drowning after his vehicle submerged under the flood water.
Divers from the South African Police Service Ekurhuleni Water Policing and Diving Services were dispatched on February 26 to Brakpan following reports of a vehicle submerged under floodwater.
The scene was at Stoffberg Avenue, Brakpan. Upon arrival, witnesses directed the police members to under the subway bridge, where a silver Nissan Almera was allegedly submerged under the flood water.
Witnesses reported the vehicle had driven into the water and lost control, which led to it disappearing into the depths.
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Rescue attempts by bystanders were unsuccessful.
Police divers conducted an assessment and located the vehicle wedged between bridge pillars under approximately 2.5m to 3m of water.
Despite the challenging conditions, a police diver investigated.
The diver found the driver’s door wedged against a pillar and had to break a passenger door window to access and retrieve the victim, a 67-year-old man.
Despite immediate handover to emergency services, the victim had already succumbed.
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An inquest docket is now under investigation by Brakpan SAPS.
Authorities urge communities to exercise caution during extreme weather, particularly in areas prone to flooding. It is crucial to avoid venturing too close to floodwaters, which can swiftly become hazardous.
The police reminded bystanders to give emergency services space to work effectively, as overcrowding can pose additional risks.
