JOHANNESBURG - The N3 has been reopened, and work to clear traffic on Van Reenen’s pass is underway. The Road Traffic Inspectorate and N3 Toll Concession Route Services are now starting to escort stranded road users out of the area,

Following the heavy snowfall blanketing the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and trapping scores of motorists in the icy snow since Friday evening, the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) announced that Van Reenen’s Pass has been re-opened to clear traffic.

The N3 remained closed at Van Reenen’s Pass on Sunday morning as hazardous conditions persisted. One person has been confirmed dead from exposure. Rescue operations continue and alternative roads have been opened.

Another death was recorded as rescue and recovery operations continued and humanitarian aid pulled along the N3 route between Estcourt and Harrismith on Sunday.

Motorists travelling in the Free State who were possibly still trapped in the snow were on Sunday, urged to remain in the vehicles and wait for assistance.

The snow that led to people being stranded on the N3 highway has resulted in one person dying. Midlands EMS on Saturday said the person died after being exposed to severe cold overnight while stuck in a taxi.