Central SA
N3 snow victim compares ordeal to Titanic movie─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:24 Tue, 24 Sep 2024
“If it weren’t for him, we would have slept there. He kept saying, ‘We’re not sleeping here. We’re going to get out of this, no matter what.’”
One N3 snow victim has compared the incident to the Titanic movie where everyone was fighting to save their lives.
Thousands of motorists were left stranded on the N3 highway near Van Reenen’s Pass after heavy snowfall rendered the road impassable. Among the many caught in the chaos was Kea Mofokeng, who likened her harrowing experience to the famous movie Titanic, where everyone was scrambling to save their lives.
Mofokeng, who was on her way to a funeral in KwaZulu-Natal from Johannesburg, shared her story with Newsroom Afrika. She described how they became trapped in Harrismith at 22:45 and remained stuck until 05:45 the next morning.
During that time, they huddled in the car, waiting for any movement.
“We had a friend in Durban who was trying to guide us,” Mofokeng recalled. “He kept checking X (formerly Twitter) to find out where the traffic was stuck.
“Luckily, the driver I got a lift with was incredibly determined. If it weren’t for him, we would have slept there.
“He kept saying, ‘We’re not sleeping here. We’re going to get out of this, no matter what.’ It felt like we were in the Titanic movie, with everyone trying to save their lives.”
Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Education confirmed the safe return of 67 learners and 12 teachers from Qwabi Primary School in Thabo Mofutsanyana and 40 learners with 7 teachers from Phomolong Primary School in Lejweleputswa District. The groups, returning from a school trip in Durban, were also stranded on the snow-covered roads on September 20th.
Free State Education MEC Julia Maboya expressed her relief and gratitude to all those involved in ensuring the safety of the stranded students and educators.
“As a department, we take the safety of our learners and teachers very seriously,” said Maboya. “We will continue to work closely with local authorities to reduce risks during future school trips.
“To the parents and guardians of the learners, we understand the anxiety this situation may have caused, and we are grateful for your patience and trust.”
‘Maboya assured parents that her department would provide any necessary support’
Maboya assured parents that her department would provide any necessary support to the learners and teachers following this stressful experience, reiterating that their safety is the top priority.
The heavy snowfall, which resulted in widespread disruption on the N3, saw emergency services and community volunteers working tirelessly to assist stranded motorists and clear the roads.
