A severe winter storm has brought heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to parts of the Eastern Cape, leading to widespread travel disruptions. The situation worsened after a double truck collision shut down a key section of the N10 highway near Cradock (Nxuba), leaving motorists stranded for hours.
The accident occurred late yesterday between Cookhouse and Middelburg, a critical route for manganese trucks traveling from Kuruman to the coast. Eastern Cape Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that adverse weather conditions and blocked mountain passes delayed recovery efforts, exacerbating the traffic backlog.
“We sincerely apologize to road users who were stuck for hours,” Binqose said. “The recovery truck had to take a long detour due to snow-blocked passes, and panicked drivers further obstructed the route.”
While the N10 has since been cleared, traffic remains slow-moving, with significant delays expected throughout the day. Binqose urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel, as snow continues to blanket high-lying areas, while coastal regions face heavy rains and strong winds.
Authorities have warned that alternative routes are also affected, leaving many trucks and commuters with no choice but to wait. Emergency services remain on high alert as the province braces for further weather-related challenges.
Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution on slippery roads and monitor updates from transport officials. Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with striking images of snow-covered landscapes, underscoring the unusual severity of this winter storm.
