Poovin Nairainsamy.
Image: Supplied
AUTHORITIES and family members are desperately searching for Poovin Nairainsamy, a Phoenix truck driver who went missing after his vehicle was swept away by floods in the R46 Wolseley area, in Cape Town.
Despite social media claims that Nairainsamy had been found and admitted to a hospital in Ceres, no official confirmation has been made, leaving his family in anguish as they await news.
Authorities and his family members have since checked local hospitals, but there has been no trace of Nairainsamy.
His Scania R580 truck was later discovered completely wrecked downstream near the R46 outside Wolseley.
Authorities said the vehicle showed the sheer force of the floodwaters that had swept the vehicle away.
Poovin Nairainsamy's Scania R580 truck was later discovered completely wrecked downstream near the R46 outside Wolseley.
Image: Supplied
His wife, Roma Narainsamy, 39, from Ormford in Phoenix, said they were devastated as search and rescue teams continued to comb the area for clues.
“My husband had only started this job about two months. He has been a truck driver for the last five years.
“He drives for Ubuntu Logistics, which is based in Johannesburg. The last time I spoke to him was at 9pm on Monday. We spoke for about two hours and after that conversation we stopped communicating because there was no cellphone connection,” she said.
According to Roma, Nairainsamy was travelling on the N1 while transporting a load of sugar to Cape Town when severe weather conditions struck the region.
“Since that day I have been trying to get a hold of him. I tried on Tuesday but the calls were just not going through. We believe his disappearance is related to the heavy flooding in Cape Town.
“The sad part is that his truck was found but not him. All efforts have been put in place to find him. Hospitals were checked and it was all clear.”
Poovin Nairainsamy's Scania R580 truck was later discovered completely wrecked downstream near the R46 outside Wolseley.
Image: Supplied
Search and rescue teams returned to the site where the truck was found in an effort to locate Nairainsamy or uncover any further evidence that may assist in the search.
“I spoke to his boss earlier today (Friday) and he said unfortunately there were no updates,” Roma added.
The family’s anguish has been compounded by the upcoming birthday of the couple’s young son.
“We are devastated at home. Our son’s ninth birthday is on Sunday. My husband was meant to come back home on Saturday just in time to celebrate our son’s birthday,” she said.
Describing her husband’s passion for his profession, Roma said trucking was more than just a job for him.
“My husband loved driving long distances and being a truck driver. His eyes light up whenever he spoke about trucks.”
As hope remains that he may still be found, Roma made an emotional plea for answers.
“I just want my husband to be found and brought safely home to us,” she pleaded.