The Free State’s premier, Sisi Ntombela, has deployed the disaster management team and the Joint Operation Centre to Jagersfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality, after a mine dam burst on Sunday morning.

Notmbela’s spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, says the teams will determine the extent of the disaster and also carry out evacuation processes where necessary.

OFM News reported that some houses and cars were swept away by a strong stream of water.

“The premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela, has learnt with the greatest shock of the disaster that happened in Jargesfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality, wherein the mine dam in the area burst this morning, 11 September 2022 at around 06:00.

“More details on what may have caused the incident will be shared at a later stage once government has received a detailed report on the incident.

“Premier Ntombela is expected to visit the affected area this morning,” Chubisi further adds.

According to the municipality’s spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, over 30 houses may be affected, with a portion of the township also affected. He said the water has swept away belongings of residents and some of them have since been relocated to the nearest farm in that area.

However, police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, told OFM News that: “We are aware of the situation. It was reported but [there are] no full details as yet, and the police are still gathering more details.”

EWN has reported that two people have been reported missing while dozens of people have been taken to hospitals.