While many high lying parts of South Africa were transformed into something of a winter wonderland over the weekend, the snowfall also led to tragedy and strife for many motorists who became stranded on numerous routes, including the busy N3 Toll Route between Johannesburg and Durban.
Volunteer paramedic Philip Hull, who heads up the non-profit organisation Community Medical Services, said his team stationed at Van Reenen’s Pass had their hands full assisting stranded motorists over the weekend.
Hull praised the local guest houses, farmers and service stations that came together to assist the stranded motorists.
“To the team at the Green Lantern Hotel where we were staying, your immense efforts in accommodating not only a full hotel of guests, but also allowing an influx of so many folks who had abandoned their vehicles in the snow, some of whom walked over five kilometres in the middle of the storm, was appreciated by all,” Hull said.
“Supplying blankets and pillows, a couch or carpet to sleep on, fires kept going for warmth and a constant supply of coffee and meals even when Eskom power disappeared, was a herculean effort.
“One must also recognise all the other hotels, guest houses, farms and garages that assisted in keeping people safe.”
He also expressed gratitude to the numerous teams from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), N3 Route Patrol, ER24 and others, for their massive efforts, with many having endured almost 48 hour shifts in order to keep the stranded travellers safe.
Many non-governmental organisations, including Gift of the Givers, Red Cross and Al Imdaad Foundation, provided food, water and hot meals to motorists who were stranded over the weekend.
UMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas said his municipality had set up a temporary shelter in the Midlands, while teams also brought relief to those who could not get out of their vehicles.
Several roads along the N3 from Estcourt (KZN) to Harrismith in the Free State were closed due to the snowfall. They were only reopened late on Sunday as authorities embarked on the task of moving many abandoned vehicles and.
Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Company, praised those involved in providing humanitarian relief.
“SANRAL and N3TC would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all disaster relief organisations, road incident management teams, humanitarian groups, local farmers, and community associations who have provided emergency services and essential aid to stranded motorists. Your selfless efforts exemplify dedication and compassion in action. You are the real heroes of the N3 Toll Route,” Dhoogra said.
Sadly, and in spite of the herculean humanitarian effort by all involved, at least two people died from hypothermia after being trapped in the heavy snow on the N3 highway.
IOL