Overnight snowfall claims one Life in Merrivale

Howick crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, were dispatched to a Merrivale shopping center for a person who had collapsed after being exposed to severe cold overnight while in a taxi stuck in traffic in the snow on the N3, traveling from Johannesburg towards KZN.

The taxi had stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred.Upon arrival, it was found that the individual had collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia, requiring urgent medical care. While en route to the hospital, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Full resuscitation efforts were performed, but sadly, the patient was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

The public is urged not to underestimate the dangers of cold weather and to ensure they stay warm and safe at all times.