This is according to Premier, Sisi Ntombela's spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, who further indicates that 35 people, including a pregnant woman, have since been hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the incident, which occured around 06:00.

She says four patients suffered fractures and others sustained bruises and hypothermia.

Five more patients were transported to Albert Nzula Hospital at Trompsburg.

Chubisi says search and rescue efforts are continuing for more missing persons.

Officials from the Emergency Medical Services College have also been deployed to assist.

ALSO READ: Ntombela sends disaster management teams to Jagersfontein

Chubisi announced this morning that the province has since deployed the disaster management team and the Joint Operation Centre.  The teams will determine the extent of the damage and also carry out evacuation processes where necessary.  

"The Premier of the Free State is expected to arrive at the disaster-stricken mining town of Jagersfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality in a short while. The Premier through her provincial government this morning activated the Disaster Management Teams and the Joint Operation Centre to determine the extent of the disaster after a mine dam collapsed and swept away houses and cars in the area," Chubisi adds.

ALSO READ: #JagersfonteinFlood: 3 people missing, 1 suspected dead 

The department of education is currently liaising with the district officials and all principals to provide an assessment report of the state of our education facilities including access from town and townships to the schools.

ALSO READ: Free State Education on high alert following #JagersfonteinFlood

"Our preliminary report thus far indicates that no educational facilities were affected. The Social Development District offices are evacuating people in the affected areas to nearby farms. Humanitarian Organisations such as Meals on Wheels, South African Red Cross and many more are on the ground conducting their assessments to see how many people are affected and what other basic needs besides food are needed," Chubisi further adds.

The South African Social Secretary Agency (SASSA) has also deployed officials to the area whilst the Department of Social Development will be starting with psychosocial services for all affected.

According to the municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, over 100 houses have been affected.

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

OFM News