Many of the injured were swept off a pier
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Paramedics of a user on a stretcher on the Bay of Plenty beach in Durban, South Africa
A giant wave killed 3 other people and injured more than a dozen in the South African coastal city of Durban, prompting the abrupt closure of the beach and an investigation into the cause of what the government called an “abnormal” accident.
The incident occurred around five o’clock in the afternoon. on Durban’s north beach on Saturday when a large wave swept across the coast, the emergency service told local media.
The beach was occupied by other people relaxing when the “abnormal wave” hit, causing many injuries.
The medical facilities say they “responded to reports of a wave that swept away an organization of bathers opposing the pier, causing multiple injuries,” EMS spokesman Njabulo Dlungele said.
“Sadly, 3 people, a teenager, were pronounced dead at the scene. “
At least 17 other people were also taken to various medical centers for treatment after being injured by the wave, M. Nlungele.
More than 35 rescuers rescued more than 100 people trapped in the big wave, according to local authorities.
An investigation into the incident has been opened, the municipality said.
It didn’t take long to clarify what caused the wave, but authorities described the incident as “weird. “Something similar reportedly happened after devastating flooding in parts of KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.
Durban’s beaches are experiencing an influx of visitors during the busy festive season and the reopening of beaches on South Africa’s east coast of the Indian Ocean after being closed due to flooding.
Durban has also relaxed regulations for visitors this year after two years of restrictions similar to the Covid-19 pandemic, as local businesses look forward to welcoming more visitors.
Several local and foreign visitors were at the site when the big wave hit. It is still known how many, if any, of the injured are foreign tourists.
Additional reporting through agencies
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Paramedics of a user on a stretcher on the Bay of Plenty beach in Durban, South Africa
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