As many welcomed the much-needed rain and enjoyed the start to the week—unfortunately, six people from two different incidents found themselves narrowly escaping death over the past 24 hours in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. Their lives saved thanks to the rapid response of emergency personnel.
A torrential downpour descended on KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night, 26 October 2020 with such force, many KZN residents were caught unaware. Such was the force of the downpour; emergency services were called out to assist people who were in a bus which found itself stuck in a flash flood on Stephenson Street, Newcastle.
Newcastle SAPS Search and Rescue, Protection Services, Magenta Security and the ambulance service were prompt in responding and arrived on scene within record time. Offering some insight, Jan-Henk van Vuuren of WATCO Emergency Services explains, “The bus was almost completely submerged underwater, and three of the occupants managed to exit the bus and climb onto the roof.”
Van Vuuren emphasises that they were fortunate to escape without any injuries. Additionally, he stated flash flooding also wreaked havoc in other parts of Newcastle, with cars getting stuck coupled with businesses and homes being flooded, and several power outages.
In the second incident, 27 October 2020, three people sustained injuries after a bakkie and a truck collided on the Amajuba Pass—a dangerous pass, as many know.
Van Vuuren explains, “The passenger in the bakkie sustained serious injuries and was trapped in the wreckage. Paramedics, with the assistance of a towing service, managed to free her and she was then rushed to hospital by ambulance.” On a positive note and in conclusion, the drivers of both vehicles sustained minor to moderate injuries, and the cause of the collision is still unclear—officials who were on the scene will conduct further investigations.
Motorists are encouraged to practice caution when driving, especially in poor weather conditions and when travelling on the Amajuba Pass.
Authors: Quinton Boucher & Calvin Swemmer
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
One Response
My mom and dad were in the Van Heerdens bakkie. They are both in a stable condition with bumps and bruises but luckily nothing serious. My dad has gotten stitches on his arm and above his eye but seems to be fine.