MEDIA RELEASE

Rescue and recovery operations rely on public compliance

KwaZulu-Natal, 22 September 2024 – The N3 national road remains closed to incoming traffic at Van Reenen’s Pass, and road users are strongly discouraged from travelling in that area, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and its concessionaire, the N3 Toll Concession (Pty) Ltd (N3TC), have announced.

Mobility has however been restored on the N3 from Cedara to Keeversfontein (Tugela Plaza) in KwaZulu-Natal and from Harrismith in the Free State to Heidelberg in Gauteng.

“For now, the area between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith, including Van Reenen’s Pass, is still being cleared, under challenging conditions. The focus is on getting light motor vehicles (LMVs) out of the area,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer for N3TC, reiterated the appeal for road users to avoid travel to the affected areas.

“Rescue and recovery remains a challenging task which is being complicated and slowed down by road users disregarding safety instructions. Reports are being received of a significant backlog of traffic attempting to make their way from Harrismith towards Van Reenen. Incoming traffic cannot be accommodated on Van Reenen’s Pass at this time and these vehicles are hampering rescue and recovery operations,” said Dhoogra.

Mona confirmed that emergency response teams, through a multidisciplinary effort, are attempting to reach all stranded motorists as quickly as possible.

“We have received numerous enquiries from relatives who have lost contact with their loved ones and every effort is being made to reach people, get them to safety and inform their families. Limited cell phone connectivity in many parts make this extremely difficult,” said Mona.

Traffic flow has not yet been restored between Tugela Plaza and Harrismith but operations teams are working tirelessly to clear the snow and reopen the roads, especially ahead of a busy week, school holidays kick off.

The significant drop in temperatures have unfortunately taken its toll and at least one person has died due to hypothermia.

“SANRAL and N3TC extend their sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” said Mona.

Follow @N3Route on X for regular, verified traffic updates or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report problems or for emergency assistance. SANRAL will also carry updates on its various digital platforms, including X and Facebook.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za