Vehicle crashed into the Swartkops River from the N2 bridge

The Coastal Water Rescue squad was activated to respond to the Swartkops River N2 bridge at 08:58 earlier today, 16 May 2026, following reports of a vehicle that left the road, went over the bridge and was in the water. 

On arrival, we received more info that there was a single casualty who was ejected from the vehicle, but to confirm, CWR swimmers were sent into the water to ensure the vehicle was empty.

Gardmed Ambulance Service attended to the casualty, while CWR squad members remained on scene. The EMS Rescue was on scene and provided a Stokes basket to secure the casualty, and then rigged a rope and pulley system as the area next to the bridge was very steep.

Once the casualty was stabilised for movement by Gardmed Ambulance Service, the CWR team assisted with carrying the Stokes to the nearest point where the ropes were ready. The EMS Rescue crew then slowly pulled the Stokes up the hill where Gardmed continued with medical care.

Precision Tow-In Services Port Elizabeth had to recover the vehicle, and CWR squad members again went to assist to ensure the safety of the Precision Towing staff in the water while the vehicle was being hooked up for hoisting out of the river

A vehicle crashed into the Swartkops River from the N2 bridgehttps://t.co/uA37v5y2dX#ArriveAlive #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/CTxARSzCyW

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 17, 2026