iNews24Online News that reach your home
POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO – Tragedy struck the city of Polokwane in the early hours of New Year’s Day when a female soldier lost her life after the vehicle she was travelling in was swept away by powerful floodwaters following heavy overnight rainfall.
According to police, the devastating incident occurred at approximately 04:00 on Wednesday morning along Bok Street towards Ivy Park, an area that was severely affected by the downpour. The intense rainfall caused a nearby V-drain to overflow, sending fast-moving water across the road and turning it into a dangerous flood zone with little warning to motorists.
The victim was travelling in a Renault Triber along with two other occupants — a male driver and another female passenger, who is believed to be the soldier’s sister. Police reports indicate that as the trio attempted to cross the flooded section of the road, the vehicle was suddenly caught in the strong current and swept off its path.
In a heartbreaking final moment, the female soldier, who was seated in the front passenger seat, managed to place a phone call to her father while the vehicle was being carried away by the rushing water. Shortly afterward, she was reportedly washed out of the vehicle and drowned as the floodwaters overwhelmed her.
The driver and the remaining passenger reportedly stayed inside the vehicle as it continued to be pushed downstream. The car was eventually forced to a stop near Grobler Bridge, close to a busy traffic circle near an Audi dealership and an Engen petrol station. Once the vehicle became lodged, the driver managed to escape and assisted the female passenger to safety before immediately alerting emergency services.
Rescue teams, including search-and-rescue divers, were dispatched to the area and launched an extensive search operation amid challenging conditions caused by the fast-flowing water and poor visibility. After several hours, divers tragically recovered the soldier’s body approximately 2.5 kilometres downstream from where the vehicle was first swept away.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised renewed concerns about road safety during severe weather conditions. Local authorities have once again urged motorists to exercise extreme caution during heavy rains, warning that flooded roads and overflowing drains pose serious and often deadly risks.
Residents have also been reminded never to attempt to drive through flooded areas, regardless of how shallow the water may appear, as strong currents can easily overpower vehicles.
Police have confirmed that a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. Meanwhile, weather services have warned that more rainfall is expected in parts of Limpopo and other regions, increasing the risk of further flooding.
As the nation marks the beginning of a new year, the tragic loss of the young soldier serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather and the importance of vigilance on the roads during adverse conditions.
