Key Takeaways
- Two bodies were recovered from a vehicle that was swept away by floodwaters in Centurion on Tuesday
- The vehicle was found submerged in the Hennops River, with the bodies of the two missing individuals stuck inside
- The incident occurred after heavy rainfall caused rising water levels and strong river currents, creating extremely dangerous conditions
- Emergency services have urged motorists to exercise caution during heavy rains and to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges
- Authorities are currently working to secure the scene and complete the necessary procedures, with further details regarding the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding the incident to be communicated once confirmed by police
Introduction to the Incident
Two bodies were recovered from a washed-away vehicle in Centurion on Tuesday, after the vehicle was swept away by floodwaters on Sunday. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson and Deputy Chief Nana Radebe-Kgiba confirmed that members of the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to an incident in the early hours of Sunday, where a vehicle was swept away. The incident occurred after heavy rainfall caused rising water levels and strong river currents, creating extremely dangerous conditions. The Swift Water Rescue Team, together with South African Police Service (Saps) divers, commenced search and rescue operations for two people reported missing.
Search and Rescue Operations
Following confirmation of the vehicle’s last known location near a low-lying bridge along the Hennops River in Centurion, the search and rescue operations were conducted. Radebe-Kgiba said that the rescue team found the bodies stuck inside the submerged vehicle. The incident highlights the dangers of flooded roads and low-lying bridges, and the importance of exercising caution during heavy rains. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department and the South African Police Service worked together to conduct an extensive search and recovery operation, and their efforts ultimately led to the recovery of the two bodies.
Response from Authorities
Radebe-Kgiba warned that emergency services have urged motorists to exercise caution during heavy rains and to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges, as water levels can rise rapidly. She also reminded residents to heed weather warnings and safety advisories issued by authorities. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is working to secure the scene and complete the necessary procedures, and further details regarding the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding the incident will be communicated once confirmed by police. The authorities are taking the necessary steps to ensure that the scene is secure and that the necessary procedures are followed.
Community Reaction
Ward 66 councillor Ina Strijdom described it as a sad day for the community after a vehicle was found in the river with the two missing people inside. She offered her deepest condolences to the family, who have been at the scene since 8am on Tuesday morning. Strijdom has urged residents to avoid overflowing low-water bridges and not to underestimate the power of water. She also revealed that the incident occurred within six minutes of the young people leaving the nearby complex, and that they were last seen on video exiting before their signal was lost in the river. The community is in shock and mourning the loss of the two individuals, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious during heavy rains.
Conclusion and Warning
The incident in Centurion serves as a reminder of the dangers of flooded roads and low-lying bridges, and the importance of exercising caution during heavy rains. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department and the South African Police Service are working together to ensure that the necessary procedures are followed, and that the community is safe. Residents are reminded to heed weather warnings and safety advisories issued by authorities, and to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges. The incident is a tragic reminder of the power of water and the importance of being cautious during heavy rains. As the community mourns the loss of the two individuals, it is essential to learn from this incident and take the necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
