KZN toddler drowns after mother slips while trying to cross Umkomazi River

A KwaZulu-Natal toddler drowned after her mother slipped while attempting to cross a river carrying the child and her older sister on Tuesday.

Robert McKenzie, spokesperson for KZN Emergency Medical Services (EMS), said the tragedy unfolded at the Umkomazi River on the south coast.

"Reports from the scene are that a mother was crossing the river while carrying her girls, aged 14 months and another aged three, when she slipped into the water," he said.

"She called for assistance and community members, including a minibus driver and sisters from the nearby Banyeni Clinic, came to their assistance.

"Paramedics from KZN EMS, metro police, SAPS search-and-rescue units and firefighters from Umkomaas responded."

The mother and children were taken to a nearby clinic, where McKenzie said the toddler was declared dead.

"The three-year-old was treated before being airlifted to hospital by the department of health's air ambulance," he added.