On Monday afternoon, February 26, 2024, divers from the South African Police Service Ekurhuleni Water Policing and Diving Services were dispatched to Brakpan following reports of a vehicle submerged under floodwater.
The scene was at Stofberg Street, Brakpan and upon arrival, members were pointed to under the subway bridge where a silver Nissan Almera was allegedly submerged under the flood water. Witnesses reported that the vehicle had driven into the water and lost control, which led to it disappearing into the depths. Rescue attempts by bystanders were not successful.
Police divers conducted an assessment and located the vehicle wedged between bridge pillars under approximately 2.5 to 3 meters of water. Despite the challenging conditions, a police diver was deployed to investigate. The diver found the driver’s door wedged against a pillar and had to break a passenger door window to access and retrieve the victim, a 67-year-old individual. Tragically, despite immediate handover to emergency services, the victim had already succumbed.
An inquest docket is now under investigation by Brakpan SAPS.
Authorities urge communities to exercise caution during extreme weather, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Bystanders are reminded to give emergency services space to work effectively, as overcrowding can pose additional risks. It is crucial to avoid venturing too close to floodwaters, which can swiftly become hazardous.
The post Water police divers recover drowning victim from submerged vehicle in Brakpan appeared first on South Africa Today.