Heavy rain and snow cause multiple crashes in Ekurhuleni; motorists warned

Heavy rain, light snow and freezing conditions disrupted roads across Gauteng and led to multiple accidents in Ekurhuleni, authorities said.

What happened

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) said it responded to three road incidents in the early hours of Tuesday. The incidents occurred on the R21, R25 and RTJ Namane Drive in Thembisa. One motor vehicle overturned and injuries were reported, EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato said.

Weather and road conditions

The province was forecast to be cloudy and cold, with scattered showers and thundershowers, conditions that affected visibility and road surfaces. The worst of the cold snap hit the province on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures at multi-year lows.

Official warnings and advice

Motorists were warned to reduce speed in wet conditions, maintain a safe following distance, use headlights when visibility is poor and avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges.

The EMPD advised drivers to:

• Keep a safe following distance
• Reduce speed and avoid braking abruptly
• Switch on headlights to increase visibility
• Check that wipers are in good working condition
• Ensure minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6 mm around the entire circumference
• Avoid low-lying bridges, water puddles and flooded areas

Motorists were also asked to report any incidents or breakdowns to the EMPD 24-hour Contact Centre on 011 999 1920 or 011 999 2093.

Broader safety message

The Gauteng provincial government urged residents to prioritise safety amid icy rain, plunging temperatures and hazardous road conditions, warning against illegal power connections, unsafe heating methods and reckless travel.

“The combination of rain, cold conditions and wet roads may create additional risks for motorists, pedestrians and vulnerable communities,” spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said.