Video footage has emerged showing a bakkie stuck on the flooded Tshelimnyama bridge in Marrianhill, west of Durban. The footage reveals passengers in the bakkie attempting to devise an escape plan when one individual suddenly jumps from the vehicle’s rear.
Tragically, upon landing, they lose their balance and are instantly swept away by the strong currents.
Bystanders are seen entering the water in an effort to rescue the person, but the outcome of their attempts remains unknown.
It could not be immediately verified when the incident occurred.
Authorities have warned the public about flooded bridges.
On Thursday morning, the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) advised residents and motorists to avoid the bridge connecting Maphumulo to Nkandla and Umlalazi on the P15 uThukela River near Hlangabeza Secondary School in Maphumulo Local Municipality, Ward 2, due to flooding.
Watch | Bakkie swept off flooded bridge in Eastern Cape, two people missing
On Wednesday, the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued a level 2 severe thunderstorm warning for northern parts of KZN, including Abaqulusi, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Nguthu, Ulundi, and uPhongolo.
The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre is urging motorists and pedestrians not to cross swollen rivers and streams, as this could lead to disasters and loss of life.
Following continuous heavy rains in various parts of the province, many rivers and streams are overflowing, and several bridges have become flooded.
Motorists are strongly advised against attempting to cross these flooded bridges, as there have been incidents of cars being washed away.
“As more rain is expected in different parts of the province, rivers will likely continue to overflow. We must all remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution to prevent disasters and loss of life during this period,” the department stated.
One person swept away as bakkie gets stuck on flooded Tshelimnyama bridge in Marrianhill https://t.co/XIWLQLXOwD pic.twitter.com/ri4nU0xYRj
— SA Trucker (@rsa_trucker) January 18, 2024
