One person has died in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, after he collapsed at the Merrivale shopping center after he was exposed to severe cold overnight while in a taxi stuck in traffic in the snow on the N3.
According to the Midlands EMS, the taxi was traveling from Johannesburg towards KwaZulu-Natal, when it stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred.
“Midlands EMS Howick crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, were dispatched to a Merrivale shopping center.
Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care.
While en route to the hospital, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated.
Full resuscitation efforts were performed, but sadly, the patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital,” read a statement from Midlands EMS.
The service warned the public not to underestimate the dangers of chilly weather and to ensure they always stay warm and safe.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements department, said it has dispatched more grades to clear snow on the N3 Toll Route.
It said several roads that were covered with snow have been opened, but however cautioned motorists to cancel any unnecessary travel and not to use the N3 to Durban.
“Trucks and cars are covered in snow.
There are hundreds of trucks and some jack-knifed which makes it difficult for graders to remove the snow as rescue teams have to remove one truck at the time including cars.
The team is however working hard, and we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Unfortunately, in some areas the cell phone network is not available.
We remain concerned that although thousands of motorists have been freed, others are still trapped,” read a statement from the department.
The statement highlighted that 67 learners from Qwabi Primary School who were traveling from Durban to Qwaqwa were rescued, after being stuck in the snow since Friday.
