While attempting to cross an overflowing bridge on the road to Phiva in Mpumalanga on Friday, a 19-year old woman was washed downstream.
According to an article published by Lowvelder, provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli says the teenager was rescued through a group effort by the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, disaster management teams, other emergency personnel and Search and Rescue South Africa (Sarza).
“The young lady was attempting to cross the overflowing bridge on the road heading to Phiva when she was washed away.
“She was then able to swim to an island in the middle of the river where she was stranded for approximately three hours,” he says.
A witness promptly informed police and various role players were summoned, including the Search and Rescue Unit of the SAPS,” says Mdhluli.
Sarza Lowveld responded to assess the situation but realised that a rope would not ensure a safe rescue as the water was flowing very fast.
It was only after a police helicopter was commandeered from Pretoria that the teenager was hoisted to safety. Sarza supported the operation downstream.
Provincial emergency services treated the teen and she was sent home to her relieved parents the same day.
@lowvelder A police helicopter rescued a 19-year-old woman from the Nkomati River. Video: Supplied/SAPS #Riverrescue #rescue #river #NkomatiRiver #Policehelicopter #mpumalanga
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