Three persons were killed by a “freak” wave in Durban, South Africa, and about 100 others were reportedly injured, on Saturday.
Local emergency medical services (EMS), revealed this after providing treatment to the rescued persons.
Spokesman Njabulo Dlungele in a statement published on Twitter on Sunday, said, “EMS responded to reports of a freak wave that swept a group of beachgoers against the pier causing multiple injuries.”
He added that a teenager was among the three people declared dead at the scene at North Beach, which was closed off after the incident.
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According to KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, in a statement on Facebook on Sunday, said 17 others were injured.
“The details of the incidents are still sketchy at this point, however, it is believed that a freak wave put many people into distress while swimming and they tragically drowned,” the statement read.
The EThekwini Municipality revealed in a Facebook statement, on Sunday that a team of 35 lifeguards undertook a mass rescue effort and paramedics attended to more than 100 people involved in the incident.
“The Municipality is saddened by the tragedy and sends its condolences to the families of the deceased,” it added.