The Ministry of Transport has advised motorists, who plan on travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, to delay their trips due to the severe weather conditions.
Heavy snowfall continues to blanket the N3 highway, particularly between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, making travel extremely hazardous.
‘The ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travellers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures.
‘[Transport] Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister [Mkhuleko] Hlengwa are receiving regular updates through the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and SANRAL on the ongoing rescue efforts coordinated by State agencies and other stakeholders,’ the Transport Department said.
Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel, are being deployed to assist those affected.
The N3 Toll Route remains closed between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State due to the dange
rous snowy conditions.
Motorists are urged to avoid the affected areas, and follow the guidance of authorities, and prioritise their safety by delaying non-essential travel.
The severe weather conditions have brought heavy snowfall across parts of Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.
Motorists across the board are advised to cancel their trips until conditions improve.
Those who are trapped in the snow are advised to remain in their vehicles, signal for help, and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police, who are already on the ground.
No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
Source: South African Government News Agency