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At approximately 18:00 yesterday, a violent storm front tore through Pietermaritzburg, leaving a trail of destruction that stretched from the city centre to the outlying Bishopstowe area.
The KwaZulu Private Ambulance (KZPA) Scene Safety and Support Unit was immediately mobilised to assist the Pietermaritzburg Fire Department in a coordinated response to multiple hazards caused by gale-force winds and torrential rain.
The severity of the weather system was most evident in Bishopstowe, where reports emerged of a possible tornado touchdown. The atmospheric turbulence resulted in dozens of large trees being damaged across the region, instantly severing arterial transport routes and endangering residents.
In a harrowing incident at the Checkers Scottsville Mall, a vehicle seeking shelter from the hail and wind was pinned beneath a massive falling tree. The weight of the timber crushed the exterior of the car, trapping the occupants inside. Miraculously, despite the damage to the car, no injuries were reported.
The city’s infrastructure faced significant strain as a large tree collapsed across the N3 Southbound off-ramp, effectively choking the flow of traffic and causing extensive delays on the national highway. The KZPA Safety Vehicle arrived on the scene to secure the area and manage the backlog of vehicles while clearing operations commenced. Simultaneously, a secondary major obstruction was identified on Hesketh Drive, just prior to the 24-hour Spar, where a tree completely blocked the roadway.
Through a joint effort between KwaZulu Private Ambulance and the local fire department, all primary obstructions were systematically cleared using chainsaws and heavy recovery equipment. While the immediate danger has passed, authorities remain on high alert.
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