Home » 2 Truckers and an ‘Angel’ Praised for Brave Rescue Efforts in Joburg Flood

2 Truckers and an ‘Angel’ Praised for Brave Rescue Efforts in Joburg Flood

Two truck drivers on the flooded roads of Johannesburg yesterday, 09 November 2016, have been hailed for their heroism, after it emerged that they rescued 20 people from their submerged cars during Wednesday’s massive storm which wreaked havoc on the city of Jozi, leaving at least six dead and many in hospital. A Joburg resident has also […]

By SAPeople
10-11-16 14:42
in Eish!

Two truck drivers on the flooded roads of Johannesburg yesterday, 09 November 2016, have been hailed for their heroism, after it emerged that they rescued 20 people from their submerged cars during Wednesday’s massive storm which wreaked havoc on the city of Jozi, leaving at least six dead and many in hospital. A Joburg resident has also been praised and called an ‘angel’ for her courageous attempts, at the same scene, to resuscitate one of the victims of the flash flood.

truck-rescue-lady-cprDPMM Logistics co-owner Donald Stockhall confirmed: “The drivers that assisted are our drivers Lucas and Vuyani.

“A lady phoned me last night saying that they pulled 20 people to safety using the belts on the trailer. Very very proud of them.”

A photo of the brave truckers and a lady performing CPR has been shared thousands of times on social media (see above).

Today the picture was posted on SA Long-distance Truckers, however it incorrectly stated that a “heroic trucker saved this lady’s life”. Tragically the woman in the photo did not survive, and the post has since been correctly updated.

The lady who was desperately trying to resuscitate the victim was not a trucker. She has been named as Bianca Bird, a manager from Joburg, according to her colleague Dalton Wilds.

South Africans have praised all three for their incredible efforts during what must have been an extremely traumatising and experience for them.

One social media commenter said: “This is what successful nations are built on. People looking out for and caring for each other. Well done. We salute your bravery.”

Others said “this is South Africa – a nation that stands together” and thanked them for their awesomeness.

Selma Lurie said: “Wow, may they be blessed tenfold. I cannot begin to imagine how terrifying it was to be there. Lucas and Vuyani you are heroes to have saved lives and rescued people, and brought them to a safer place WOW. Donald, treasure your drivers they are amazing humans.”

flooded-roads-in-joburg-2016
Photo by Stan Sanetra: “Tom Jones Benoni this morning… still flooded.”

Unfortunately another truck on the N3 yesterday reportedly went into nine cars because of the floods, leaving four fatalities.

Many of the roads are still flooded in Johannesburg this morning and SA Weather Service has issued an Alert: “Weather watch: Gauteng: Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, flash floods, hail, damaging winds expected in places today from 15:00 – 23:00.”

If you are in the area, please listen to radio for weather alerts. If advised to evacuate by emergency services, do so immediately.Report  all emergencies to 10177 /112

We salute all the brave citizens, paramedics (like yesterday’s Netcare911 hero), policemen and everyone who did their bit yesterday to help others in need during one of Joburg’s worst disasters. THANK YOU. (See the human chain below…)

If you can’t see the video above, try below: