A 37-year-old woman has died after a large tree fell onto her vehicle in Knysna on Wednesday morning, amid severe weather conditions affecting parts of the province.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Main Road (N2) and Queen Street, near the Knysna Police Station, during the height of storm-related disruptions across the region.
According to the Knysna-Plett Herald, emergency services were dispatched to the scene at around 07:50, confirmed Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies.
Inquest docket opened
An inquest docket has been opened as authorities begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Spies also dismissed rumours circulating on social media that a baby had been inside the vehicle, confirming that the woman was the sole occupant.
Traffic in the area was affected but is expected to return to normal by early afternoon.
The incident comes as parts of the Western Cape continue to experience severe weather, including strong winds and disruptive rainfall, which have led to widespread safety warnings across the province.
As reported by The South African, a number of schools in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District were closed on both Wednesday and Thursday this week.
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Meanwhile, the N2 highway into Knysna was closed following storm-related damage on Wednesday, after a fallen tree blocked the roadway near the White Bridge and Belvidere turnoff.
The obstruction has caused significant disruption to traffic moving in and out of the town, with motorists travelling between the Eastern Cape and Cape Town facing delays.
Drivers heading from George towards Knysna have been urged to allow extra travel time or consider alternative routes via the Langkloof.
Multiple roads affected
Emergency services are currently on scene working to clear debris and restore traffic flow. Authorities have confirmed that the N2 is now open.
Additional disruptions have also been reported on Brenton/Belvidere Road and Waterfront Drive, where fallen trees are blocking sections of roadway.
Caution urged
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution while travelling in the area as clean-up operations continue, with storm conditions still affecting parts of the Garden Route.
The closures come amid widespread weather-related disruptions across the region, with authorities warning that more incidents of fallen trees and road obstructions remain possible until conditions improve.
