Three vehicles swept away at low-lying bridges around Pta
“We have made repeated calls for motorists to avoid attempting to cross flooded low-water bridges as they may risk their lives.”
The occupants of three vehicles, which were swept by water on low-lying bridges around the city during Friday evening floods, managed to escape unharmed.
Two incidents of vehicles trapped on the low-water bridge in Rabie and End streets in Centurion were reported to the Tshwane emergency services, according to spokesperson Charles Mabaso.
“The first incident was reported at around 21:30 and the second one after midnight,” he said.
“Emergency services found that both occupants from vehicles had escaped safely.”
Mabaso said that one vehicle was only recovered on Saturday morning.
He said a Toyota Avanza was also swept away at a bridge in Olievenhoutbosch on Friday night.
The occupants also escaped unharmed and the vehicle was recovered on Saturday morning.
Ward 56 councillor Jarad Frimmel said they received a call for backup from a tow truck driver who spotted that a red VW polo that tried to drive over the low-lying bridge at Rabie and End streets.
“Due to heavy flooding, the bridge was closed on both ends with barriers in place to prevent people from using the road,” said Frimmel.
“The driver of the vehicle attempted to cross the bridge nonetheless but the water swept his vehicle off the bridge and into the water.”
Frimmel said fortunately the car got stuck along the way and did not get washed away too far downstream. The driver remained in the vehicle.
“The first responders from the Brooklyn CPF, K9 Tactical and SAPS tried to cross the bridge and rescue the driver, but the water current was very strong. We were advised to wait for the Tshwane fire brigade and search and rescue.
“Once they were on scene, the SAPS decided to attempt to get access to the vehicle’s driver. They used a towline from a tow truck and were able to safely get to the vehicle where they rescued the driver.”
“We have made repeated calls for motorists to avoid attempting to cross flooded low-water bridges as they may risk their lives and damage to or loss of their vehicles,” Mabaso said.
“The South African Weather Services at the beginning of the summer season forecasted a season with more rain than normal. As such, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and follow regular weather forecasts.”
The following precautions should be taken during a flood:
– If possible, stay indoors and off the roads. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon the vehicle and get to higher ground.
– Take special care of children; keep them away from flooded streams and rivers during storm conditions.
– In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building.
– Make sure that water can flow freely through your yard. If the water level rises outside your house, open the doors so water can drain and not cause any structural damage. If at all possible, channel water in the direction of the nearest road or drainage system.
– In rural areas, protect or relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended before access is cut off by floodwater.
– Never drive on a road that is completely covered by water and no road surface can be seen. You do not know how deep the water is, or whether the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
– All low-lying bridges must be avoided during a flood.
– Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.
– Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions of emergency personnel and disaster management.
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