KZN roads now clear, motorists urged to remain cautious

All KZN roads are now clear for traffic flow as of today (Monday).

This follows the successful clearing of snow and rescuing hundreds of motorists trapped, particularly on the N3, during the weekend’s heavy snowfall.

While most roads had already been reopened yesterday (Sunday) morning, there were delays in reopening the N3 between Van Reenan’s Pass and Swinburne (Montrose), which had been heavily affected by the snow.

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The KZN Department of Transport said the major route is now safe for travel.

“From day one, the priority has been to enable disaster management teams to bring much-needed relief to the trapped motorists, truck and bus drivers, but more importantly, to save passengers, which included learners.

“We wish to confirm that finally, there is a free movement of traffic, especially around Tugela Plaza and Harrismith, where many people remained trapped for two days,” said Transport MEC Siboniso Duma.

While hundreds were rescued, sadly, one person lost their life due to hypothermia after being trapped in the snow on the N3 in the KZN Midlands.

ALSO READ: Relief and rescue operations continue in KZN

According to reports, Midlands EMS rescue medics were dispatched to a Merrivale shopping centre for a person who had collapsed after being exposed to severe cold overnight. The deceased had been travelling in a taxi which was among those stuck in the snow on the N3 heading towards KZN.

They had stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred. Upon arrival, paramedics found that the individual was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care.

Briefing the media on Sunday, KZN acting premier Thembeni KaMadlopha Mthethwa extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

She further commended the collaborative efforts of both private and public emergency rescue services who worked tirelessly to assist stranded motorists on various snow-affected routes.