Middelburg train bridge: Sluice water sparks drowning search
Emergency teams were deployed to the Klein Olifants River on Sunday afternoon after fast-flowing water from one opened sluice at the Middelburg Dam surged past the train bridge just outside Middelburg on the R104, old Belfast road.
A sudden rise in river levels prompted a rapid emergency response late on Sunday near the train bridge just outside Middelburg on the R104, old Belfast road.
The area under the bridge is a location where people sometimes stop to socialize near the water.
A sluice gate at the Middelburg Dam was reportedly opened earlier to manage rising water levels, sending a strong current through the Klein Olifants River.
Emergency groups suggested that one or more individuals may have been swept away.
Initial confusion on social media and emergency groups reported conflicting areas, even incorrectly listed the N4 as the incident site. The correct location was later confirmed just after Big 5 on the R104, where police officers were standing near a smaller bridge close to the train crossing.
Police, ambulance crews and divers were deployed to the river as the fast-flowing water posed a serious risk. At the time of publication, officials had not confirmed how many people were involved, nor whether anyone had been rescued.
The municipality has confirmed that a notice on the Middelburg Dam’s capacity was at 97% and that one sluice gate was re-opened on 3000mm on 6 December at 23:00.
Multiple groups at and around the scene are currently praying for the emergency services, rescue teams and victim/s.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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