Search and rescue teams have been deployed to uMsinga in northern KwaZulu-Natal after a vehicle carrying eight people was swept off a low-lying bridge during heavy rainfall on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred shortly after 7pm at the Infenebude Bridge on the P17 road in the eNadi area of eMabovini.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the vehicle was attempting to cross the flooded bridge when it was swept away by strong currents.
Mzila said two occupants managed to escape from the vehicle and reach safety, while the remaining six were carried away by the floodwaters.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, dispatched provincial disaster management teams to the scene following the incident.
Rescue teams deployed in uMsinga as six are swept away in bridge disaster.
Provincial disaster management officials, working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue unit, began operations immediately after the incident was reported.
Authorities confirmed that two bodies had been recovered by Friday, while the search for the remaining four missing people continued.
“Our teams are on the ground and will remain there until the missing are located. We have deployed all necessary resources to ensure the search operation proceeds without delay,” said Buthelezi.
He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that the department is providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
The department has urged motorists to avoid crossing low-lying bridges during heavy rainfall, warning that rapidly rising water levels can be extremely dangerous.
Disaster management teams remain on high alert across KwaZulu-Natal as the province continues to experience severe weather conditions.
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