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Black ice and snow: Choppers grounded, border posts closed, kids in bus among scores trapped
N3 nightmare: Children have been stuck in the snow in a school bus on Oliviershoek Pass on the R74 throughout the night.
Major routes in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State have been blocked due to heavy snow, with traffic being forced to a standstill. Picture: X
“Snowtember” mayhem has hit parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State in full force, turning the N3 Toll Route from Escourt to Harrismith into a traffic nightmare with motorists stranded in the heavy snow.
It has been reported that the N3 Toll Concession has closed the N3 at the Van Reenen’s Pass because of the dangerous conditions which also includes “black ice”.
One of the main dangers of black ice is that – unlike regular ice and snow which are noticeable on the road – it is nearly invisible and often catches motorists off guard. On black ice, there is also the possibility of brakes and steering not working properly.
KZN, Free State snow update on major routes
Rescue operations has been hampered due to the substantial snow with helicopters not able to take to the skies, tow trucks unable to move freely, as well as the N3 and alternative routes gridlocked and blocked by snow.
ALSO READ: ‘It looks like the Alps’: Snow blizzard brings chaos to KZN [VIDEOS, PICS]
Helicopters grounded: Snow, fog and rain
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa ) has dispatched a team of paramedics and reaction officers in 4×4 rescue vehicles to assist motorists stranded on the N3 in Harrismith.
The Rusa operations centre said that it has been inundated with calls from stranded motorists requesting assistance since 4am on Saturday morning.
“The callers reported that the elderly and children were without water, food and medication for approximately 12 hours in freezing temperatures,” said Rusa.
The calls were received from Van Reenen’s Pass and Harrismith, about 340km from the Rusa headquarters.
Due to the heavy snowfall, fog, rain an poor visibility along the route, its R44 helicopter could not fly out and has been grounded.
School bus and cardiac emergency
According to Snow Report, a school bus full of children was one of the many vehicles that became stuck in the heavy snow on Oliviershoek Pass on the R74 throughout the night.
In a recent update provided by Arrive Alive, rescue workers are “working tirelessly to locate and assist a cardiac emergency patient”.
‘People are running out of food’
According to an update provided by Gift of the Givers, graders are the only practical solution while waiting for the snow to melt.
“People are running out of food, water and require blankets in the severe cold. The concern is for those who may require evacuation due to medical-related conditions,” the organisation revealed.
“Our teams are in communication with RTI, N3TC, pilots, tow truck companies and various others within our network in the snow-covered region of KwaZulu-Natal to ascertain what assistance can be rendered.”
Various roads in this region are closed and people have been stuck in their vehicles since last night.
“The N3 Toll Route remains closed from Estcourt in KZN to Harrismith in the Free State with various other lane closures elsewhere along the route,” Gift of the Givers said.
- R103 – CLOSED
- R74 – Harrismith to Bergville CLOSED
- R74 – Greytown/Colenso Road CLOSED
- N11 – Ladysmith to Newcastle CLOSED
- N11 – AMAJUBA PASS CLOSED
- R617 – Kokstad to Underberg CLOSED
- R33 – Vryheid to Dundee OPEN
- R34 – Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid OPEN
- A N2 – Ingeli under observation
- R396 – Naudes Nek Pass is covered in thick snow
Border posts closed due to snow
The Border Management Authority (BMA) and stakeholders operating at the ports, have taken a decision to close the Sani Pass, Boesmansnek and Monontsha ports of entry for operations today until further notice.
This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of travelers, tourists and officials, as the current conditions pose a significant danger.
“Travellers are advised that Ficksburg port, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng as well as Maseru Ports of entry can be used as alternatives to enter Lesotho,” said BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi on Saturday morning.
N3 snow emergency: How to assist
Gift of the Givers have loaded up some vehicles with relevant supplies and have requested selected garages and businesses to provide hot drinks and snacks to motorists, their families and truck drivers who need the assistance.
The organisation have also prepared meals and drinks at a community hall in Estcourt for those passing by.
- For more information about Gift of the Givers’ relief operations or if there are anyone in the area who can assist, contact Jaaved on 083-514-0497.
Emergency numbers
- N3 Toll Route emergencies: 0800 63 43 57
- uMngeni Municipal control room: 0800 000 124
- Emergency services: 112
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