Many agencies probe scaffold collapse

Investigations into the collapse of the bridge linking Sandton and Alexandra in northern Johannesburg have been announced by various agencies as the minister of transport called for a probe yesterday.

Construction company Murray & Roberts launched a formal investigation into the collapse of the bridge over the M1 highway on Wednesday, the company said.

Investigations have also been initiated by the Department of Labour, the City of Johannesburg, the SAPS, and other parties with which Murray & Roberts is cooperating.

The investigations will include analysis and research conducted by technical, engineering, legal and forensic specialists, the company said.

Emergency services officials said two people were killed in the incident and 19 were injured.

The collapsed structure was part of a walkway bridge constructed for the estimated 10000 pedestrians who cross the Grayston off-ramp between Alexandra and Sandton daily.

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said there is a need to unearth the reasons behind the tragic incident to prevent a recurrence in the future.

Peters said the bridge was an important aspect of the overall development of economic infrastructure currently under way to improve access to Sandton.

Murray & Roberts spokesman Ed Jardim said independent investigators had been appointed, but finding the cause of the collapse could take weeks, if not months.

Three patients were admitted to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital and nine to Tembisa Hospital. Two were treated at Helen Joseph Hospital.