Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The 37-year-old woman who died on Wednesday morning when a tree fell onto her car has been identified as social auxiliary worker Lauren Fredericks (37).
The incident happened at the corner of Main Road (N2) and Queen Street during storm conditions.
Fredericks, who joined the Department of Social Development’s Knysna office in August 2021, was on her way to assess residents who had been evacuated due to the adverse weather when the incident occurred shortly after she parked her vehicle.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt expressed his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues following the tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened by this loss. Ms Fredericks had a love for community work and was part of the office’s disaster management response team. Our thoughts are with her family, particularly her young son, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” Londt said in a statement.
Londt also acknowledged frontline workers, including DSD staff, who continue assisting vulnerable residents amid the ongoing storm conditions.
Police confirmed an inquest docket has been opened following the incident near the Knysna Police Station.
Plettenberg Bay
Elsewhere in the region, heavy weather caused widespread disruption.
In Plettenberg Bay, water surged into the River Club Estate along Piesang Valley Road, flooding homes. According to residents, it receded later in the morning.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media also shows strong river outflow from the Piesang River opening the estuary near Central Beach, opposite the Beacon Isle Resort and Robberg Beach parking area.
Another video shows waves crashing into the Robberg Beach parking area beside Beacon Isle Resort, while water was also seen rushing beneath the pedestrian footbridge linking the resort area.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions as clean-up and assessments get under way across affected areas.
Stormy conditions were expected to continue into today, Thursday 7 May.
Read previous article:
Woman dies after tree falls on car in Knysna storm
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