Eight people have died after a bakkie was swept into a stream while attempting to cross a flooded low-water bridge in Heilbron, Free State.
According to police spokesperson Loraine Earle, the victims were reported missing on Sunday, and their bodies were recovered on Monday morning. The deceased include a 71-year-old man, his wife, and their three grandchildren, as well as a married couple, their 2-year-old child, and a colleague.
"The occupants left Heilbron on Saturday afternoon but never reached their destination. When they were reported missing, police divers and search-and-rescue teams were deployed, leading to the discovery of their bodies," said Earle.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic incident.