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Bridge Collapses in Sandton

Photos of a bridge which has collapsed in Sandton, Gauteng, are going viral on social media this evening, Wednesday. The temporary pedestrian bridge, constructed by Murray & Roberts, collapsed on the M1, close to Grayston Drive at about 4pm this afternoon. The company confirmed in a statement that there have been two fatalities. Emergency services estimate approximately 20 people […]

By SAPeople
14-10-15 20:07
in Eish!

Photos of a bridge which has collapsed in Sandton, Gauteng, are going viral on social media this evening, Wednesday.

Bridge collapses in Sandton, South Africa
Source: facebook

The temporary pedestrian bridge, constructed by Murray & Roberts, collapsed on the M1, close to Grayston Drive at about 4pm this afternoon.

The company confirmed in a statement that there have been two fatalities. Emergency services estimate approximately 20 people have been injured.

Bridge collapses in Sandton, South Africa
Source: facebook

According to eye witness accounts on Facebook there is “total chaos on the roads in Sandton” and “cars are stationary”.

In their statement Murray & Roberts confirmed that “a support structure that was erected to enable the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the M1, collapsed.”

When construction on the R130-million ‘Great Walk’ bridge began in March, the City’s Transport Member Christine Walters said it was to “provide safe and convenient pedestrian and cyclist access between Sandton and Alexandra”, forming part of a 5 km route which Walters said a transport study had found that 10,000 people make on foot each day to go to work.

Bridge collapses in Sandton, South Africa
Source: facebook

According to the Joburg Development Agency’s website “the bridge was designed by Royal Haskoning DHV and is being built by Murray & Roberts, with safety a top priority.”

The City of Joburg tweeted that “Engineers suspect that a gust of wind in the area led to the accident.” They later emphasised that “we have not blamed the weather…”

Murray & Roberts said: “The exact cause of the incident is not known at this time. All of our incident response procedures have been initiated, our support services have been mobilised and relevant authorities have been advised.”

The City tweeted “there will be a full investigation by the Department of Labour which the City will support.”

In response to the traffic situation, Sandton’s previously closed #Ecomobility streets have been reopened.

Sandton traffic after bridge collapse
Traffic this evening in Sandton. Source: facebook

Murray & Roberts offered its “condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathy to those injured.” The company’s share price apparently fell by 7 percent following the tragedy.

Western Cape paramedic Alan Rudnicki told SAPeople: “It’s a very tragic scene. R.I.P to those who passed and strongs to all the injured. And a big up to all my Colleagues in the EMS and other Emergency Services tending to that scene.”

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