KwaZulu-Natal – Five people remain missing after a minivan carrying eight occupants was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a river in the Emsinga/Emabomvini area in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the vehicle was overtaken by strong currents while crossing a section of the river that does not have a bridge.
“The incident occurred after a minivan carrying eight occupants was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a river in the Emsinga/Emabomvini area in KZN,” the organisation said in a statement on social media.
Two people managed to escape from the vehicle, while rescue teams have since recovered three bodies.
“Three bodies have since been recovered while five individuals remain unaccounted for. It is believed the victims were swept downstream by the fast-flowing Tugela River,” RUSA said.
Efforts to search for the missing victims have been hampered by weather conditions. The organisation said its helicopter is currently unable to assist in the search due to strong winds.
“The RUSA Robinson R44 Helicopter is currently grounded due to heavy winds in Durban and along routes leading to the scene, preventing an aerial search at this stage,” the organisation said.
RUSA has appealed to other rescue organisations and law enforcement agencies to assist with the recovery operation.
“Any rescue organisations or law enforcement agencies that can assist with the recovery of the bodies can contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for the exact location of the scene,” the organisation said.
Search and recovery operations are expected to continue as authorities attempt to locate the missing victims.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
