The severe flooding in Centurion on Friday night has claimed at least two lives while five people had to be rescued and a woman managed to swim to safety after the vehicle she was in was swept away in a river.

The Tshwane Metro Emergency Services Department (ESD) said they responded to multiple incidents across the area.

Two drown after vehicles swept away

ESD spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni said they were called out to Lenchen and West streets, near the Supersport Park Cricket Stadium at 22:10.

Responders from Erasmuskloof Fire Station, including a fire engine, were dispatched to assist.

“Upon arrival, the firefighters found that a car and a motorcycle had been swept away by the strong river currents.

“The firefighters and rescuers from our Fire and Rescue Operations Division, together with the divers from the SAPS and the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, did a search and rescue operation where they found a female patient who had swum to safety on the riverbank.”

“Sadly, the motorcyclist and the driver of the car were both found deceased and were recovered from the river by the rescuers.”

Several people stranded

Emergency responders were earlier called to the corner of End and Rabie streets at 21:45, where firefighters from Centurion Fire Station rescued two occupants from a car stuck in the river.

Both individuals escaped unharmed.

In yet another incident, rescuers were called to the corner of Albert Street and Nellmapius Drive in Irene Country Estate.

“Upon arrival, the firefighters found that a car was also stuck in the river with two occupants. They immediately rescued the patients who were also unharmed and had sustained no injuries.”

At about 23:08, a fifth person was found holding onto a lamp pole that was engulfed by the overflowing waters from the Hennops River, near the Centurion Lake Hotel.

Mnguni stated that the patient was also not injured.

“The operations ended at about 00:20 when all patients were accounted for,” said Mnguni.

Motorists warned of driving during heavy rains

The intersections at End and Rabie streets and at Von Willich, Embarkment and Blackwood roads were all closed due to flooding.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require doing so,” said Mnguni.

Motorists are urged to avoid driving in low-lying water bridges during heavy rains and storms.

“Also take precautionary measures when driving in places that are likely to be affected by heavy rains. When driving in wet weather, avoid speed and switch on headlamps,” the TMPD said.