Emergency services found two vehicles swept away after floods. Image: CERT-SA Facebook page
Vehicle SWEPT AWAY in a river in Centurion
When emergency services responded to reports that a vehicle was swept away in a river, they were suprised to find not one but TWO cars
Emergency services found two vehicles swept away after floods. Image: CERT-SA Facebook page
Reports of a vehicle swept away in the river at Rabie street, and the CERT-SA Centurion crew responded to Witstinkhout street on Monday, 13 February.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Fatalities in HORRIFIC bus accident up to 21
Two cars found swept away
Upon investigation, the crew located two submerged vehicles in the river.
A multidiscipline rescue team offered assistance and initiated a rescue.
ALSO READ: WATCH: 20 people KILLED 68 injured in head-on collision
Later, eyewitnesses on the scene came forward and informed the rescue teams that three occupants managed to safely swim to the side.
It took some time to confirm the eyewitness accounts.
The occupants of the vehicle were contacted and verified that all of them safely reached the river bank.
ALSO READ: MEC for transport saddened at HORRIFIC bus accident
What to do if you find yourself in a flash flood
Arrive Alive has issued the following warnings for those who find themselves stuck in flash floods.
- Take note of your car’s limitations. If you drive through water that is 15 cm deep or more, it can lose control and stall. 30 cm of water is enough to float most cars, and 60 cm of rushing water can carry away cars, SUVs and pick-ups.
- If your car becomes submerged in flood waters, don’t panic. Release your seat belt, roll down your window, and get out. If your windows won’t open, let the car fill with water, then open the doors and swim to the surface. Don’t wait for the car to sink.
- If you’re swept away in fast-moving water, point your feet downstream and direct your body over obstacles instead of under them.
- If you’re on foot, be aware that 15cm of moving water can knock you down. Avoid contact with flood waters, which may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil, gasoline, or charged with electricity from downed power lines.
- Stay vigilant, especially at night, when it’s harder to recognize potentially deadly road hazards. Don’t camp or park your car near rivers or washes, especially during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
- Stay informed by tuning in to your local radio station during bad weather. If a flash flood is issued for your area, go to higher ground immediately. You may only have a few seconds before it becomes dangerous.
