By Amy Musgrave
Heavy snowfalls in parts of the country have claimed the life of one person, according to Arrive Alive.
While no other deaths or injuries were reported by Saturday evening, the SA Weather Service has warned that disruptive snowfalls are likely to continue well into the night along large parts of Kwazulu-Natal and the Free State.
Arrive Alive said that emergency medical services from Howick and the Midlands were dispatched to a Merrivaleshopping centre for a person who collapsed after being exposed to severe cold overnight while stuck in a taxi on the N3.
“Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care. While en route to the hospital, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Full resuscitation efforts were performed, but sadly, the patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital,” it said in a statement.
A public service announcement from the government said severe weather conditions had brought heavy snowfall across parts of Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
“Motorists are advised to cancel their trips until conditions improve. Those who are trapped in the snow[must] remain in your vehicle, signal for help and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police who are already on the ground,” it said.
“Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel, have already been deployed.”
There is still a total road closure between KwaZulu-Natal, including Van Reenen’s Pass, and the Free State. The Wilge and Tugela Plazas also remain closed to traffic.
“Disaster management teams supported by humanitarian groups and local farmers are doing their utmost to reach all stranded road users to provide emergency assistance and distribute essential provisions,” Arrive Alive said.
“Additional air support will be offered as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Communication services in the affected areas are also under pressure with some telephone lines and cellphone networks being compromised.”
It said disaster management teams were making gradual progress with rescue and recovery operations, with graders slowly approaching the top of Van Reenen’s Pass.
“They are being followed by emergency services and humanitarian relief workers who will provide much needed assistance to stranded road users.”
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