KwaZulu-Natal Heavy Snowstorm Claims Life as Stranded Motorists Battle Freezing Conditions
In a rather tragic development, a passenger traveling in a taxi from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal has died of hypothermia.
The taxi became stranded in heavy snow on the N3 highway in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, leaving passengers exposed to freezing temperatures.
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Severe Snowfall Disrupts N3 Traffic
Heavy snowfall caused widespread disruptions across KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, with the N3 highway being one of the worst-affected areas.
Vehicles, including cars, trucks, and taxis, were stuck in unusually thick snow, forcing motorists to spend the night in their vehicles.
Numerous road users took to social media, sharing videos and images of the snow-covered highway. Many drivers and passengers were left stranded, waiting for road crews to clear the blocked routes.
Tragic Death Due to Hypothermia
One of the most devastating outcomes of the freezing conditions was the death of a passenger who was in a taxi that had been stuck in the snow since Friday.
According to the KZN Midlands EMS, the victim collapsed after being exposed to the freezing cold for an extended period.
Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care,” a spokesperson from the KZN Midlands EMS explained.
The patient was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
“While en route to the hospital, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Full resuscitation efforts were performed, but sadly, the patient was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”
It is reported that the taxi had stopped for refreshments when the individual fell ill. The extreme cold proved fatal despite the efforts of the emergency services.
Road Closures and Warnings from Authorities
The heavy snowfall led to the closure of several roads in the region, prompting authorities to issue warnings to motorists to delay their travel plans. The KZN Midlands, which rarely experiences such harsh winter conditions, saw significant snowfall that hampered road travel.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, provided an update on the situation stating that snow has been cleared in some parts of the N3, allowing motorists to move.
He added that sections of the R103 from Estcourt to Mooi River, Kokstad to Underberg, and the N11 between Amajuba and Volksrust had been cleared of snow. However, he cautioned that the weather might persist and advised motorists to remain cautious.
“We are not sure of when all roads will be cleared because this is nature because this weather might continue until tomorrow…We are just deeply saddened that there are people with chronic illnesses who were stuck and didn’t have anything to eat but we are glad to report that some stranded motorists and trucks are now moving,’’ he said.