Durban — The N3 in Kwa-Zulu Natal has been cleared following heavy snowfall this past weekend, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded while travelling.
The N3 region of KZN over the Van Reenen’s Pass was hit by heavy snowfall that meant cars were trapped under the snow, as the snow and icy conditions meant the roads were too dangerous for travel.
The KZN government urged residents to stay indoors as disaster management teams were hard at work to ensure the roads were cleared and the weather started to improve. Provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the government now needed to respond seriously to climate change.
[WATCH] Some roads have been reopened in KwaZulu-Natal after they were closed due to heavy #snowfall and rain. But residents are still reeling from the effects of the inclement weather though conditions have eased significantly. Newzroom Afrika’s @SilethiweNdlovu has more. pic.twitter.com/9DahI5b7Wd
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 23, 2024
As reported by SABC News, the N3 Toll Concession manager, Thania Dhoogra, said traffic was flowing once again on the N3 around the Tugela Plaza and Harrismith.
“All stranded road users as well as those in the 30km backlog have now been safely escorted out of the area and after assessing, authorities have deemed it safe enough for mobility to be restored to the area of the N3 Toll Route extending between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith,” Dhoogra said.
Dhoogra added that traffic would be slow as the weather continues to affect many parts of the N3, and encouraged drivers to only travel during the day and to remain well-prepared before going on travels.
According to The Citizen, Buthelezi said that as many as 1 823 vehicles were stuck between Van Reenen’s and Mooi River Plaza. Authorities have successfully accounted for all passengers who were stranded on the roads.
However, one woman lost her life to hypothermia. She was travelling from Johannesburg to KZN when the vehicle was stranded in the snow.
“The deceased passenger was a woman, and we will wait until we make contact with the family first before we make further statements,” Buthelezi said.
Acting KZN Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa gives an update on the state of the snow-blocked N3 – “The road now is open for use, and proper assistance has been provided for those in need.”
Watch: https://t.co/gKPEtSDPxM#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/dQ2NTWcztZ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 22, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
