While a clean-up operation to remove the rubble from the aftermath of the collapse of the bridge structure on the M1 freeway in Sandton continues this morning, the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, has called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The highway remains closed while investigations continue and motorists are being directed to alternative routes.
Minister Peters appealed for calm and patience while the highway remains closed to allow investigations to continue and the subsequent clean-up operation.
On Wednesday afternoon, a structure erected to enable the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the M1 freeway at the Grayston Drive off-ramp collapsed.
The bridge, which was due to be completed by the end of the month, was being constructed for the estimated 10 000 pedestrians who cross the Grayston off-ramp from Alexandra to Sandton and vice versa daily.
Three people were killed and more than 20 were injured.
Construction company Murray and Roberts, the Department of Labour and the City of Johannesburg have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Minister Peters on Thursday said there was a need to unearth the reasons behind the tragic incident in order to prevent a recurrence in the future.
She said the construction of the bridge was an important aspect of the overall development of economic infrastructure currently underway to improve access to Sandton.
“Sandton is a critical economic hub, not only for South Africa, but the continent and the world at large. It’s for this reason it’s called ‘the richest square mile in Africa’. Seamless accessibility into Sandton is critical for both motorists and pedestrians hence the need for such infrastructure,” said the Minister.
She commended the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Provincial Government for their swift response to the incident, adding that availing free public transport services to affected people was an act of proactive leadership.
“I wish to convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the people who sadly perished due to the incident. I equally wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries,” says Minister Peters.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries. He said he was shocked at the news of the incident. – SAnews.gov.za
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Acting National Police Commissioner appointed
Pretoria – Lieutenant-General Johannes Khomotso Phahlane has been appointed the new Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
He takes over from Riah Phiyega who was on Wednesday suspended by President Jacob Zuma pending the decision of the Board of Inquiry which was established to probe allegations of misconduct, her fitness to hold office and her capacity to execute official duties efficiently.
General Phahlane is currently the Divisional Commissioner for Forensic Services at the SAPS – SAnews.gov.za
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Paramedics and first aid workers work on the rubble of a collapsed pedestrian bridge under construction in Sandton, in which two people were killed on Wednesday. Picture: AFP PHOTO
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EMERGENCY personnel and cleanup crews worked through the night to clear the debris from Wednesday’s bridge support structure collapse on the M1 highway‚ which killed two and brought Johannesburg traffic to a standstill.
No timeframe could be given for when South Africa’s busiest highway would be reopened around the Grayston Avenue flyover. On Wednesday it had been hoped the area would be clear by rush hour on Thursday.
Heavy machinery was seen lifting large sections of scaffolding on Thursday morning.
The City opened the roads and routes that had been closed in Sandton for October’s month-long EcoMobility Festival to ease traffic flow and increase accessibility.
Effect on traffic
• The road will be closed at Grayston Drive on the M1 highway while the clean-up continues.
• The road will be closed from Athol Oaklands Road in Melrose. There is already queuing traffic.
• The road is also closed at the N1 Buccleuch Interchange. Heavy traffic can be expected from Midrand, Fourways and Linbro Park.
• All Gautrain bus services will be free of charge.
• Putco buses will also be running free of charge from Soweto. This includes monthly ticket holders.
• Metro buses into Sandton from Gandhi Square, Midrand, Sunninghill and Westgate will also be free.
More than 20 people were reported to be injured following the collapse — at least five of them critically — and witness reports suggested at least three people had been cut out of the wreckage.
The structure, which was intended to support the bridge still under construction, collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, crashing onto cars and blocking both the north- and south-bound lanes of the highway near Grayston Drive.
Construction company Murray & Roberts said in a statement on Wednesday there was still no clarity on the cause, its directors were at the scene, and its immediate priority was to ensure that those affected were taken care of.
The two people killed were a taxi driver and a man in a Toyota Fortuner, spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said.
The bridge being built, called The Great Walk Bridge, is intended to be a 5km pedestrian and cycling path joining the Alexandra township and the Sandton CBD.
According to the Johannesburg Development Agency, an estimated 10,000 people walk and cycle between the two areas daily.
The plans include installation of lighting, benches, hawkers’ stalls and CCTV cameras.
News24, with RDM News Wire
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