Fear and heartbreak continue to deepen across South Africa’s trucking community as truck driver Poovin Nairainsamy remains missing four days after devastating flash floods swept away his truck in the Wolseley area in the Western Cape.
The incident unfolded during severe weather conditions that caused rivers to burst their banks, quickly turning sections of the R46 and surrounding routes into dangerous flood zones.
Poovin, from Phoenix in Durban, who was driving for Ubuntu Logistics, was caught in the chaos and has not been seen since.
Search and rescue teams have been working around the clock since the incident, combing riverbanks, farmland, and isolated stretches of road around Wolseley and nearby Ceres.
Despite these ongoing efforts, authorities confirmed that no positive leads had been found as of Saturday morning.
His Scania R580 truck was later discovered downstream near the R46. The vehicle was severely damaged, a clear sign of the violent force of the floodwaters that tore through the area.
False reports circulating on social media briefly suggested that Poovin had been found alive and taken to hospital in Ceres.
Authorities later dismissed these claims after confirming that no such patient had been admitted to any local medical facilities.
Family still holding onto hope
A family member, speaking to SA Trucker, described the emotional toll the situation has taken as uncertainty continues to grow.
“We are still waiting for answers and it is becoming harder with each passing day. Every hour without news is painful for the family. We are holding onto hope, but the reality is that all search efforts so far have not given us any positive leads. We just want clarity and for Poovin to be found.”
Poovin’s wife, Roma Narainsamy, 39, from Ormford in Phoenix, said the family has been devastated as search and rescue teams continue to comb the area for clues.
Watch: Truck Swept Away by Sudden Flash Flood Killing Driver
“My husband had only started this job about two months. He has been a truck driver for the last five years. We are devastated and just praying for any information that can bring him back to us.”
Company confirms growing concern
In a statement provided to SA Trucker, Ubuntu Logistics confirmed that Poovin remains missing and expressed increasing concern as the search continues without success.
“We are becoming increasingly worried as every hour passes without answers. Despite extensive search efforts by authorities, emergency services, members of the community, and fellow truck drivers, there have still been no positive leads regarding Poovin’s whereabouts.
This is an extremely painful and emotional time for his family, friends, and colleagues. We continue to hold onto hope and appeal to anyone who may have seen anything, no matter how small, to come forward immediately.”
Trucking community rallies together
Across South Africa, truck drivers have continued to share messages of support and solidarity, highlighting the close bond within the industry. Many say the incident is a painful reminder of the dangers drivers face when extreme weather strikes with little warning.
Drivers travelling through farming areas, river crossings, gravel roads, and remote routes across the Western Cape are being urged to stay alert and report anything that may assist search teams.
For now, the search continues, and a family waits in anguish for answers in what has become one of the most distressing flood-related incidents in the region.
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