Tonga – A 19-year-old woman is lucky to be alive after she was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge over the Nkomazi River in Tonga, Mpumalanga.
Fortunately, the woman grabbed hold of reeds in the rushing waters and held on until she was rescued by the police.
Confirming Friday’s, (10 January 2025), rescue Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said someone saw the woman being swept away in the river and raised the alarm.
“Reports indicate that the young lady was attempting to cross the overflowing bridge on the road heading to Phiva when she was washed away but managed to hold on to a reed in the middle of the river,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
“A good samaritan witnessed the incident and promptly informed the police, and various role players were summoned, including the Search and Rescue team of the SA Police Service, Disaster Management, and local officials.”
Brigadier Mdhluli said the woman was located and rescued by police using a helicopter.
However, Brigadier Mdhluli warned against crossing flooded streams and low bridges.
A huge crowd of curious residents, from the area, gathered near the riverbank to witness the rescue.
