The mine dam burst around 06:00 on Sunday morning, 11 September 2022.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

According to the Kopanong municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, they are yet to confirm if one person did indeed die following the disaster that struck the town. He says over 100 houses have been affected. 

Phama also adds that the main power station supplying the entire town and township with electricity, has been damaged as a result of the incident.

OFM News previously reported that the Free State's Premier, Sisi Ntombela,  activated the disaster management team and the Joint Operation Centre to Jagersfontein.

ALSO READ: Ntombela send disaster management teams to Jagersfontein

“Please advise motorists to not use the R706 road between Bloemfontein and Jagersfontein, but [that they should] rather use the Petrusburg road to Koffiefontein, Fauresmith and Jagersfontein,” Phama adds.

Meanwhile, Premier Ntombela’s spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, says the teams sent to Jagersfontein will determine the extent of the disaster and also carry out evacuation processes where necessary. 

Chubisi says 20 people have been taken to Diamant Hospital in Jagersfontein with minor injuries, and four are en route to Albert Nzula hospital in Trompsburg. She says no fatalities have been reported as yet. 

The incident has reportedly damaged infrastructure and homes.

Furthermore, the Department of Social Development MEC, Mamiki Qabathe, says she has learned with sadness of the collapse of a mine dam in Jagersfontein this morning that has led to the flooding of the area.

“We have also learned that some of the houses and cars have been swept away whilst other houses collapsed, leading some members of the community to escape with only the clothes on their backs,” Qabathe adds. 

She has since, with immediate effect, dispatched her team of social workers and community development practitioners to assess the impact of the flood, as well as assist with the evacuation of those affected to safe areas.

Qabathe further adds that the department’s social partners, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Red Cross and Meals on Wheels have also been activated, and are already on the ground making assessments to ensure interventions are immediately put in place and that needed relief is provided to the affected.

OFM News