Motorists warned about snowy N3

JOHANNESBURG - Paramedics said on Thursday they were called out to at least ten accidents on Van Reenen's Pass that occurred overnight.

The accidents were caused by slippery roads and black ice.

The pass between Johannesburg and Durban was closed down several times this week due to heavy snowfall, and traffic is currently being diverted around Howick and Harrismith.

A team of paramedics have been dispatched to Van Reenen to focus entirely on monitoring the pass until next week.

Meanwhile, as this week's cold snap draws to an end in Gauteng, the Salvation Army is appealing to the public to continue donating food and blankets to those less fortunate.
Snow fell in all nine of South Africa's provinces this week, leaving two people dead and resulting in rescue operations countrywide.

The Salvation Army’s Carin Holmes said the organisation relies mainly on donations from good Samaritans.

“I think the public can help us by bringing used blankets, shoes and warm jackets and perhaps tinned food.”

- EWN

SAWDOS: SAWDOS expressed it's concern already early last night about the safety of the N3 due to snow, ice and sleet.

SAWDOS 16hours ago

SAWDOS concerned. N3 should be closed to traffic for the AM. This road is now dangerous and accidents are inevitable - SAWDOS

TrafficSA: Free State - N3 Route, #blackice danger between Harrismith and Van Reenens - several incidents reported

SAWDOS 4 hours ago

N3 ROAD CONDITIONS - Ice on surface. Sections closed at times to remove ice and sleet. Follow @TrafficSA for latest updates. - SAWDOS

SAWDOS 2 hours ago

WARNING: SAWDOS expressed it's concern last night about the N3 Route regarding snow/ice and dangerous conditions. - SAWDOS

I still say that the N3 must be closed till later today. Accidents will occur and people might lose their lives if this continues. - SAWDOS

Several accident reported due to snow and ice on the N3 and alternative roads. Let's not gamble with peoples lives. CLOSE DANGEROUS ROADS - SAWDOS

Majority of drivers in South Africa do not have the experience to drive in snow,ice and sleet conditions. - SAWDOS

The SAWDOS request the authorities to close dangerous roads even if this mean further financial losses. Peoples lives are at stake here. - SAWDOS

RT @TrafficSA: KZN - N3 South (Update), ROAD CLOSED between Estcourt and Mooi River due to #ice - heavy / long delays on local detour routes

KZN - N3 South (Update), ROAD CLOSED between Estcourt and Mooi River due to #ice GOOD DECISION BY AUTHORITIES!!! - SAWDOS

RT @Fantasiasparkle: @SAWDOS1 "Give that man a Bells" :D WISE DECISION TO CLOSE THE N3 - SAWDOS

Although far to late, sanity prevailed and the N3 were closed at around 11h00 this morning.