A severe snowstorm over the weekend has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least two people from hypothermia, while thousands of motorists found themselves stranded for hours along the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.
The N3 toll concession reported that the weekend’s heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions, leaving many road users trapped in freezing conditions for nearly two days between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith.
Videos and images circulating on social media depicted vehicles buried under a thick layer of snow, illustrating the chaos that unfolded.
As of Monday, traffic was flowing again on the N3, with the extensive backlog of vehicles cleared.
The N3 Toll Concession confirmed that the area has been assessed and deemed safe for travel.
However, officials advised motorists to begin their journeys only during daylight hours.
The cold weather that struck South Africa has been part of a broader pattern of unusual winter conditions affecting several regions.
The recent snowfall not only caused traffic disruptions but also highlighted the risks associated with extreme weather, particularly for those unprepared for such conditions.
JN/APA