Rescue operations in the Free State are underway to assist motorists stranded during the heavy snow.

The Free State Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs (Cogta), and Human Settlements Department operationalised rescue efforts, which began in the early hours of Sunday (22/9). The municipalities in the affected towns of the province had mobilised graders to clear the snow. Emergency medical services were also dispatched to assist.

05h01 22/09 #N3TrafficUpdate #Rescue and #RecoveryOperations are continuing between #VanReenen and #Swinburne/#Montrose. #LightMotorVehicles are being cleared first. #Trucks remain stacked. #ReliefAid is being provided. (07)

— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) September 22, 2024

“The motorists left stranded due to heavy snow in parts of the Eastern Free State are being rescued. The rescue operations began in earnest during the early hours of the morning, around Van Reenen and Swinburne, which has now been re-opened,” said FS Cogta and Human Settlements spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu.

“The stranded motorists have been assisted through multidisciplinary interventions and provided warm meals and blankets. Health facilities such as Mofumahadi Manapo, and Elizabeth Ross are continuing to ready themselves to receive patients when the need arises.”

The provincial government has activated its emergency response systems under the leadership of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and is working closely with disaster management authorities, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure public safety.

Graders assisting in clearing the road. Photo: X

There is a voice note going around which says the toll concession holder says the road is open. “Open” is a relative word. I would urge motorists to learn from the last few days and be cautious, said Maluti-a-Phofung DA Cllr Alison Oates, who lives south of Harrismith towards Montrose near Swinburne, Van Reenen pass.

How to avoid getting hypothermia in a snowstorm according to Fleetwatch:

• Stay in the vehicle: Unless there’s an immediate risk. Leaving the vehicle increases your chances of getting lost or exposed to the elements.
• Keep warm: Use extra clothing, blankets, or whatever you have to cover exposed skin. Add more layers of clothing to trap body heat.
• Run the engine sparingly: Run the car engine for ten minutes every hour to generate heat, but make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Move to generate heat: Move your arms and legs regularly to improve circulation, but avoid overexertion, which can accelerate heat loss through sweat.
• Drink warm fluids: If possible, drink warm non-alcoholic beverages like tea or hot chocolate.
• Create insulation: Stuff newspapers, towels, or other insulating materials in your clothing to add warmth.
• Stay dry: Wet clothing accelerates heat loss. If your clothes are damp, try to dry them out, or at least remove wet layers.
• Staying calm: Prioritising warmth and hydration can be critical to survival in such conditions.

Stranded motorists have been assisted through multidisciplinary interventions and provided warm meals and blankets. Photo: X

Cooperative Governance MEC Saki Mokoena has conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the passenger who died due to hypothermia en route from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg