A brief, but intense thunderstorm swept across God’s Window on the Panorama Route, striking 25 vehicles and sending tourists running for cover on Friday, October 10.

Teams from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and Blyde Hospitality Service quickly assisted those affected.

The MTPA’s acting CEO, Lemmy Mdluli, said two people, a local curio seller and her daughter, were injured during the storm.

They were taken to Sabie Hospital, where the mother was treated and released the same day.

The daughter was released on Monday. Some vehicles suffered electrical damage and flat tyres, while one car’s dashboard showed distinct burn marks.

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“I am deeply touched by what happened at God’s Window and sympathise with the victims. I would like to thank the hospitality team for their fast response. The MTPA Blyde hospitality team assisted visitors with phone access, towing and emergency accommodation. Two international tourists, one from Greece and another from Belgium, also received the necessary support,” he said.

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The generosity of local people aided a family of four from Gauteng, whose car was not insured, helping with transport.

The family was accommodated at Graskop Hotel. Mdluli said many other tourists safely continued on their trips.

“Lightning strikes at God’s Window are uncommon. However, on the Panorama Route, the weather can shift within minutes with storms even catching experienced travellers off guard. What started out as a beautiful afternoon quickly turned into a dangerous scenario and was a reminder of how wild and unpredictable the region’s beauty can be,” he said.

Mdluli said they are grateful that there was no loss of life and cars could be repaired.