UPDATE: Efforts to rescue motorists stranded along N3 underway

Van Reenen’s Pass remains closed to traffic due to adverse weather conditions creating dangerous driving conditions.

On Saturday morning, a total road closure remained in effect between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State.

“Emergency teams are attempting to clear thick snow and remove obstructions from the roadway in order to reach stranded road users and restore mobility as soon as it’s safe to do so. These are extremely difficult operations complicated by the current route and weather conditions,” says N3 Toll Concession spokesperson Thania Dhoogra.

Humanitarian groups have provided assistance and relief to stranded motorists.

The area most affected by the adverse weather conditions extends from Lion’s River to Warden, and the road from Estcourt to Harrismith is completely closed to traffic.

“Wilge Plaza is also closed for the safety of users and responding emergency users. Please avoid travel in these areas to avoid compounding the already dire situation,” Dhoogra added.

Meanwhile, in Gauteng, emergency services remain on high alert as the cold weather conditions grip the province.

Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says no incidents were reported by Saturday morning.

“Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while using heating devices, and not leave them unattended, so we can avoid fire incidents which may occur as a result of these extremely cold weather conditions,” says Mulaudzi.

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