Concerned and shocked residents watched a man ignore municipal barrier tape, and brazenly walk over a flooded low-water bridge earlier this afternoon (Thursday).
The incident happened at around 12:30.
An eyewitness told the Middelburg Observer that he and other motorists saw the man roll up his pants and walk across the barricades erected at Kees Taljaard Stadium in Asalia Street.
“I hooted for him, and some residents screamed and told him not to cross the bridge. By the time he was reaching the other side of the bridge, he was trying to hold on to poles because of the strong current.”
The low-water bridge is in a lowlying area and is prone to flooding. Due to the overflowing river, the municipality has barricaded the bridge.
Two weeks ago, during heavy rains, the body of a man, who was washed away and drowned, was retrieved from the Klein Olifants River by SAPS divers near the municipal infrastructure building.
Also read: (VIDEO) UPDATE: Search for body at Klein Olifant’s River ends, victim found
According to information, the man attempted to cross the same bridge while it was flooded.
• Residents and motorists have been urged to avoid low-water bridges and flooded areas.
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