Watch: Middelburg train bridge — sluice water triggers search, unconfirmed reports of people swept away
Emergency teams were deployed to the Klein Olifants River this afternoon after fast-flowing water from an opened sluice at the Middelburg Dam surged past the train bridge just outside Middelburg.
A sudden spike in water levels prompted a rapid emergency response late on Sunday near the train bridge outside Middelburg, close to the Big 5 Bed and Breakfast on the R104 (old Belfast road).
Middelburg Observer reports that a sluice gate at the Middelburg Dam was reportedly opened earlier to ease rising dam levels, sending a strong flow through the Klein Olifants River. The spot beneath the bridge is known to be used informally for social gatherings and by prayer groups.
At this stage, it has not been officially confirmed whether anyone was swept away. Emergency services – including police, ambulance crews and divers – were deployed as a precaution due to the force of the water.
The Middelburg municipality confirmed that the dam was at 97% capacity and that one sluice gate was reopened at 23:00.
This is developing news. Further updates will be shared by the Middelburg Observer as information is confirmed.
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