A tragic Msinga bridge accident in northern KwaZulu-Natal has left two people dead and four others missing after a vehicle carrying eight occupants was swept off a flooded bridge in the Msinga area during heavy rainfall.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, 6 March, when the vehicle attempted to cross the low-lying Infenebude Bridge on the P17 road in the eNadi area of eMabovini. Rising floodwaters overwhelmed the crossing, sweeping the vehicle into the current and triggering an urgent search and rescue operation following the Msinga bridge accident.
Authorities say the Msinga bridge accident unfolded shortly after 7pm, when the driver attempted to cross the flooded bridge despite strong currents caused by persistent rainfall across parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Two occupants managed to escape
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the vehicle had eight people on board at the time of the incident.
Two of the occupants managed to escape from the vehicle and reach safety, while the remaining six were swept away by powerful floodwaters.
Emergency services were immediately alerted, prompting the deployment of provincial disaster management teams and the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue unit to the scene.
Rescue teams began combing the surrounding riverbanks and waterways in an attempt to locate the missing occupants.
Bodies recovered as search continues
Authorities have since confirmed that two bodies have been recovered during the ongoing search operation. However, four people remain missing, with rescue teams continuing to search the area.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed the details of the incident and said emergency teams were mobilised immediately after reports of the disaster.
“Our teams are on the ground and will remain there until the missing persons are located. We have deployed all necessary resources to ensure the search operation proceeds without delay,” Buthelezi said.
Search and rescue teams have been working around the clock, navigating difficult conditions caused by strong currents and ongoing rainfall in the region.
Support for affected families
Buthelezi also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a devastating tragedy for the affected community.
He confirmed that the provincial government is providing direct support and assistance to the families while authorities continue with recovery efforts.
Local community members have also gathered near the scene, anxiously awaiting updates as emergency teams search for the remaining missing occupants.
Heavy rains increase danger on low-lying bridges
The incident comes as KwaZulu-Natal continues to experience heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions, raising concerns about safety on roads and low-lying river crossings across the province.
Officials say bridges like the one in Msinga can quickly become extremely dangerous during storms, as water levels rise rapidly and create powerful currents capable of sweeping away vehicles.
Authorities have warned that even shallow-looking water can be deadly when moving at high speed.
Warning to motorists
Following the tragedy, disaster management authorities have urged motorists to avoid crossing flooded or low-lying bridges, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Officials stressed that drivers should wait until water levels have receded and it is safe to cross.
“Disaster management officials remain on high alert across KwaZulu-Natal as the province continues to experience inclement weather,” Buthelezi said.
Search and recovery operations are expected to continue until all the missing individuals have been located. Emergency teams remain on site as efforts intensify to bring closure to the affected families and the Msinga community.
Source – Daily Sun
