Latest news with #JohannesburgEmergencyServices
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Three injured after wall collapses in Houghton, Johannesburg
Everyone who was actively working on the site when the wall collapsed is safe. A wall collapsed at a construction site in a residential area in Houghton, in Johannesburg, on 9 June 2025. Picture: Joburg Emergency Services Three people have been rescued at a construction site, north of Johannesburg, after a wall collapsed at a residential area. It is understood that the accident happened in Houghton on Monday afternoon. Wall collapse Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said they responded to the wall collapse just after 1:30pm. 'Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered three individuals trapped beneath a wall. Rescue operations commenced immediately. 'Two patients were extricated and transported to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for further treatment. The third patient was rescued shortly afterwards and taken to Milpark Hospital, 'Khumalo said. Khumalo added that they will remain at the scene to ensure the area is safe and to investigate the cause of the accident. ALSO READ: George building collapse: Minister details investigation findings Structural collapse In March, two men died after being trapped under a house's structural collapse in Phoenix. Sections of an incomplete home renovation in Canehaven Drive were believed to have given way, resulting in the accident. First responders reported that the men could not initially be removed from the rubble, as they had been pinned against a permanent structure. Mozambican nationals were reportedly digging a trench to redirect a drainage system as part of a home renovation project. George building collapse Meanwhile, last year's building collapse in George that killed 34 people could have been prevented if established procedures had been followed. Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng presented an overview of a report on the collapse to her department's portfolio committee. The report was concluded earlier this year and submitted to the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) on 26 March. Investigations A multi-story development under construction collapsed on 6 May 2024 on Victoria Street in the suburb of Dormehls Drift in George. Subsequent investigations have implicated the contractor involved, while the report discussed on Friday focused on the actions of National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) officials. Simelane-Nkadimeng stated that multiple errors were made by NHBRC staff, primarily in failing to follow procedures and conduct proper oversight. Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale ALSO READ: WATCH: One injured after building collapses in Lenasia, Joburg
The Citizen
a day ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Motorists urged to be cautious as snow falls across Eastern Cape
Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has also urged motorists to take precautions on the road. Picture: Screengrab of video. The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. The department shared videos with The Citizen showing snow-covered fields and hills. The road surface has a layer of snow on it. Snow Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba (Cradock) and Graaff-Reinet is not yet closed. 'However, motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution. We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. 'We are keeping a close eye on other mountain passes as well. Meanwhile, the N6 road Komani (Queenstown) and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilled hazardous chemicals on the road. The road will be closed for a period of time,' Binqose said. WATCH Snow in the Eastern Cape The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads after snowfall in the province. Snow covered fields, roads and mountian passes in the Eastern Cape. Vids: Unathi Binqose #Snow #EasternCape @TheCitizen_News June 9, 2025 ALSO READ: Snow, disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms to sweep across country Joburg Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incidents were reported in the city following the intense cold front, which is sweeping across the country, including Johannesburg in Gauteng. South Africans will continue to experience wintry conditions, with a cold, wet, and windy start to the week in the country. This is due to a strong cut-off low sweeping across the country, accompanied by snow, as a high-pressure system rides in behind a cold front. However, conditions in Gauteng are relatively calm, with no snow, and the South African Weather Service (Saws) says it will be cool in places in the north, otherwise partly cloudy and cold, becoming cloudy with isolated showers and rain. ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Alert Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to continue taking precautions during the cold spell. 'Residents are urged to continue to look after all heating devices, things like heaters, braziers, paraffin stoves not to leave them unattended while in use so that we can be able to prevent fire incidents which might occur during these extreme cold temperatures. 'From our side as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services together with our disaster management monitoring teams and all our specialised teams are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies,' Mulaudzi said. The Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) says no major incident were reported in the city following the intense cold front which is sweeping across the country including Johannesburg in Gauteng. Robert Mulaudzi explains. #Johannesburg #ColdFront @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 9, 2025 Weather warnings The Weather Service has issued two orange and six yellow level warnings for several parts of the country, with warnings of very cold, wet and windy conditions, including snow for several parts of the country. Localised flooding, road closures and icy conditions are also expected in some areas. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Citizen
Come rain or snow, Joburg Emergency Service on high alert
Gauteng residents have been warned to brace for severe weather With a forecast for snow and a cold front looming, Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) said they are prepared for any eventuality that may occur. According to Vox Weather, the mercury is expected to drop below 20°C on Monday, 9 June,` as residents scurry to get their blankets out and keep warm. The first of the winter cold fronts moving over parts of the country is a preview of the rest of the season. Gauteng snow? Regional forecaster Gauteng Weather has also warned residents to brace for freezing weather. 'Early forecast suggests powerful cold snap in Gauteng beginning Monday!!!' it said on X. While Gauteng residents were hoping for a surprise snowfall, Vox Weather said the European model (ECMWF) is no longer showing snow for Gauteng. 'We're not ruling out ice rain or the chance of a few light flurries,' it said. ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week High alert Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they are on high alert. 'It's extremely cold in most parts of the city of Johannesburg. Residents are urged to continue to exercise caution when using heating devices —things like heaters, paraffin stoves, braziers or Imbaula.' He said residents should not leave these heating devices unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents. 'From our side as a City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, we remain on alert monitoring all seven regions of the city, especially our vulnerable communities, our informal settlements throughout the city, to ensure that we can be able to respond to any emergencies which might occur during this extremely cold temperatures,' Mulaudzi said. 'Life-threatening snow' Meanwhile, Vox Weather has warned of 'life-threatening snow possible for parts of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho. The ECMWF model is indicating that heavy snowfall of more than 40cm could accumulate over two days in the Nuweveld Mountains, north of Beaufort West, and near Nieu-Bethesda. 'Both ECMWF and Global Forecasting System (GFS) now suggest life-threatening snowfall over 50cm (half a metre) possible in the Southern Drakensberg near towns like Barkly East, Lady Grey and Khowa. Up to 70cm expected on nearby mountain passes!' 'Less snow is now expected over the Western Cape mountains than previously forecast. Keep in mind, as we've seen many times before, cut-off lows are highly unpredictable, and forecasts can change quickly from day to day,' Vox Weather said. Warning: Do not attempt a snow chase Vox said snow remains possible over the southern Free State, with a light dusting even as far north as Schweizer-Reneke in the North West. Disruptive snowfall likely in Lesotho, Eastern Cape (including the Southern Drakensberg, Barkly East, and surrounding areas) 'This is a very dangerous snow event. Please do not attempt a snow chase in the Eastern Cape. Mountain passes could close, roads may become impassable, and vehicles could easily get stranded in severe conditions,' Vox Weather warned. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
The South African
20-05-2025
- The South African
Father seeks answers after unregistered daycare fire kills 4 toddlers
A devastating fire at an unregistered daycare centre in Mayfair, Johannesburg, has claimed the lives of four toddlers, including 7-month-old Precious, leaving her father, Mdumise Ncube, shattered. The grieving father is calling for justice, demanding that the woman responsible for caring for the children face the full might of the law. According to preliminary investigations by the Johannesburg Emergency Services, a heating device is believed to have caused the fire. Ncube is struggling to come to terms with the loss: 'I lost my child. She was among the four children who died at the creche. This is a very hard pill to swallow.' 'I can't even believe it. I used to accompany her to go and play. We would go to the shops together. I'm down. I can't believe what happened.' SABC News reports that an anonymous resident, who lives just two houses away from the daycare, noticed smoke coming from the building and immediately called the EMS for assistance. 'You could just see no one would survive. No kid will survive because the smoke was too much; it took them close to two hours to take out the kids. The front of the house is the shop, and then at the back of the house, there are rental rooms, and more than 50 people live inside the house.' The source told SABC News that the creche was only a one-room and not registered. 'It's very sad. It's very emotional. It took EMS a long time to even take out the children. There were around 10 to 15 kids, but only four confirmed that passed on, and then two survived. The others are reportedly burned beyond recognition. We heard that there were only six kids in the house, but it is said that she used to take care of 10 to 15 kids in that one room.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Get your blankets out: Cold front to hit Gauteng this week
The cold weather is a stark reminder that winter is coming. As the weather in Gauteng gets colder, with temperatures expected to drop significantly ahead of a cold front, Johannesburg Emergency Services is on high alert to deal with any incident that may occur. The cold weather is a stark reminder that winter is coming and signals for South Africans to start getting their blankets out. Cold front Gauteng Weather warned residents to brace for a cold snap across parts of the province from Wednesday 'Alert: First cold front of winter 2025 in Gauteng from Wednesday!!!' Gauteng Weather forecast temperatures dropping to a minimum of 2°C in Johannesburg with a high of 13°C. Pretoria has been forecast with a minimum of 4°C and a high of 15°C. ALSO READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA Precautions Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi noted with concern the warning of a cold front expected to hit the City of Johannesburg. 'Residents of the City of Johannesburg are urged to prepare for a weather shift as the South African Weather Services has issued a warning for extremely cold temperatures in most parts of the City of Johannesburg from this coming Wednesday, 21 May 2025, towards the week. 'This drop in temperatures means that residents throughout the City of Johannesburg will be forced to use all sorts of heating devices to try and warm themselves in the process, making themselves vulnerable to fire incidents at home if heating devices are used unsafely/unattended,' Mulaudzi said. Heating devices Mulaudzi has urged residents to use all heating devices safely, including heaters, braizers, paraffin stoves and candles, and not to leave them unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents at home during the extremely cold weather. 'Keep burning candles out of reach of young Children. Don't leave young Children unattended in a room with a lit candle, heater or paraffin stove 'Don't connect electricity illegally it's a dangerous to you, young children and those around you instead report any illegal connections in your area. Don't leave any heater unattended while in use it might cause fire at home,' Mulaudzi added. High alert Mulaudzi said they will be on high alert, monitoring all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg together with different management monitoring teams. 'All 29 fire stations are on high alert to ensure that we effectively respond to all emergencies which might occur during this Cold Front.' For any life-threatening emergencies, residents are urged to call the Emergency Services Call Centre on 011 375 5911. ALSO READ: Weather alert: What to expect on Monday
