Huge 'abnormal wave' kills three, including a teenager, and injures 17 in South Africa

Emergency Medical Services "responded to reports of a freak wave which swept a group of bathers against the pier causing multiple injuries "said EMS spokesperson Njabulo Dlungele

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SABC report reporting three dead in Durban by freak wave

Three people were killed and 17 others injured after a monster wave crashed into the coastal city of Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.

Emergency Medical Services 'responded to reports of a freak wave that swept a group of bathers against the pier causing multiple injuries,' the EMS spokesperson said , Njabulo Dlungele.

"Sadly, three people, including a teenager, were pronounced dead at the scene."

At least 17 people were also taken to various medical facilities for treatment after being injured by the surge, Nlungele said, adding that the patients were in serious or critical condition.

More than 35 rescuers took part in the rescue efforts, caring for more than 100 people affected by the massive wave, according to the municipality.

Paramedics transport a person on a stretcher to Bay of Plenty beach in Durban, South Africa (

Picture:

Uncredited/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

An investigation has been opened into the incident, the municipality said.

Durban is usually a hive of activity during the festive period, attracting local and international tourists to its beaches.

This year's festive season is expected to attract many travelers eager to return to the beaches after years of closures and COVID-19 precautions reduced tourism in Durban.

The port city on South Africa's eastern Indian Ocean coast has gradually reopened its beaches after some were closed due to high levels of E. coli following devastating floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.

Earlier this month, another monstrous wave slammed into a cruise ship, killing one passenger and injuring four others.

The woman, from the United States, was killed...