Tragedy unfolded near a new RDP housing development in Middelburg late yesterday afternoon when four children were swept into a fast-flowing river following sudden, heavy rainfall.

Middelburg Observer reports that the incident occurred at approximately 17:45 yesterday in the Nasaret area, where residents are forced to cross the river to reach their homes, schools and nearby shops due to the lack of safe access routes.

Initial information confirmed that four children were in the water when the river overflowed after intense rainfall. A 14-year-old girl drowned, while the other children survived, including a 12-year-old boy, who was barely able to save himself from the icy water.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and all surviving children were transported by ambulance to Middelburg Provincial Hospital. At the time of publishing, some were reported to be experiencing shortness of breath, while one younger child was described as inconsolable and crying continuously following the ordeal.

The body of the deceased girl was recovered approximately 300m downstream by SAPS members and a police diving unit.

This tragedy is the latest in a string of drowning incidents in Middelburg over the past two months, many linked to flooding, unsafe river crossings and inadequate infrastructure near residential areas.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.