A sudden rise in river levels prompted a rapid emergency response late on Sunday near the train bridge just outside Middelburg on the R104, old Belfast road. The area under the bridge is a location where people sometimes stop to socialize near the water. A sluice gate at the Middelburg Dam was reportedly opened earlier to manage rising water levels, sending a strong current through the Klein Olifants River.
Emergency groups suggested that one or more individuals may have been swept away. Police, ambulance crews and divers were deployed to the river as the fast-flowing water posed a serious risk. At the time of publication, officials had not confirmed how many people were involved, nor whether anyone had been rescued.
The municipality has confirmed that a notice on the Middelburg Dam’s capacity was at 97% and that one sluice gate was re-opened on 3000mm on 6 December at 23:00. Multiple groups at and around the scene are currently praying for the emergency services, rescue teams and victim/s. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. WATCH:https://www.tiktok.com/@middelburgobserver/video/7581149412110421269 ♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver
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