Toddler (2) under eight victims who were picked up from a river after the car has been wiped out

A two-year-old child is one of the eight people who died when their vehicle was swept away by strong currents while trying to cross the Kliprivier Low-Water Bridge in Heilbron, Free State, on Sunday.

The victims were reported after their bakkie had not reached his destination on a farm in the Heilbron district.

A search and rescue operation led to the recovery of their bodies the next day.

The deceased have been identified as the driver of the Vehicle Ditaba Isaac Mazibuko, 71, his wife Fashionhi, 62, together with their three grandchildren Refilwek Jwalane Monyatsi, 14, Luyanda Zengele, 10 and Sibusiso Brain Zengele, 12.

Patrick Mquega, 34, a colleague from the driver, his wife Nthabiseng Agnes Toba, 33, and their two -year -old daughter Omphile Angela Toba.

According to spokesperson for the Free State Police, Loraine Earle, provisional research will indicate that the Bakkie along the Welgeluk Dirt Road was traveling when the driver tried to cross the flooded low water bridge. “Unfortunately, the strong currents wiped out the vehicle, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives,” Earle said.

A farmer discovered the wreck of the car on the morning of 3 March, which led to an immediate search by the police and K9 search and rescue teams. After an extensive operation, all eight bodies were restored from the water, Earle said.

Free State Police Commissioner LT-Gen Baile Motswenyane has exercised the families to the families and said: “This heartbreaking loss has left a profound impact on the community, and our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time”.

The police have opened an investigation docket and investigate the circumstances concerning the incident. They also urged the public to practice extreme caution during rainy conditions, warning for flooded roads, bridges with low tide and rivers, because strong currents can be misleading and life -threatening.

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“We advise the public to prevent flooded roads, bridges or streams from being crossed, even if the water seems shallow; to not try to walk or walk through fast moving water, because the depth and strength can cheat; or to find alternative routes and wait until the water mirror melts before it continues.”

Sowetanlive