Durban Metro Police Search and Rescue team was urgently dispatched to Van Reenen’s Pass to assist in the rescue of motorists trapped by heavy snowfall. This challenging mission required coordination with RTI and SARSA, and the team rose to the occasion.
Highlights:
Saturday 21 September 2024, following Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu’s call, DMPS SARS team was mobilized to respond to the extreme conditions at Van Reenen. Despite treacherous weather from the halfway point, they made their way to the Joint Operations Center (JOC) at Van Reenen’s Pass. After gathering crucial information, the team immediately got to work.
– Road Clearing: Our team, along with SARSA vehicles, cleared light motor vehicles (LMVs) as they proceeded. Durban Metro Police assisted six vehicles that were deeply stuck in snow, digging them out and pulling them to safety.
– On the Ground: The snow was relentless, and visibility was poor, but teamwork was exceptional. Using graders and specialized equipment, the roads were opened up, allowing safer passage.
– Safety First: Several vehicles were located along the route, but in the absence of occupants, and as they posed no obstruction, they were left in place.
Despite these dangerous conditions, all team members returned safely, having made significant progress in assisting those in need.
Durban Metro Police Service Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu commends the swift response from the Durban Metro Police Service Search and Rescue team. Mchunu continued to say that a lot of lives could have been lost in the midst of the terrible weather conditions.