KATHU – Nine people who were stranded overnight on top of a vehicle submerged in flood water between Kathu and Postmasburg in the Northern Cape were cold, wet and very hungry when they were rescued this morning, on 1 May.
Apparently the nine Transnet employees were conducting tasks from gravel roads close to the railway line when the two vehicles they were travelling in got stuck in the flood water.
Wendy Ketwa, an emergency care practitioner (ECP) of And310 Emergency Medical Services, said one of the vehicles was swept away a short distance, while the second vehicle got stuck in trees.
When search and rescue teams arrived at the scene around 23:00 last night, it was still raining and very cold, and due to several external factors, the rescue could not be executed. However, members of the Gamagara Fire and Rescue team stayed with the stranded employees.
This morning, with the assistance of members of the Gamagara Fire and Rescue team, Sishen Mine Fire and Rescue, Komani Fire Department and ambulance crew, the stranded men were airlifted by an air ambulance and rescue helicopter of Rocket Hems.
Ketwa, who has a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Science and Rescue, says no serious injuries were reported and the men were transported to medical facilities for observation.
Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, police spokesperson, says the South African Police Service once again urges motorists and pedestrians to avoid areas that are flooded and to prioritise safety at all times.
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