Cape Town bar owner ‘shocked’ after balcony collapse injures 21

Twenty-one people were injured during the incident.

The three-storey bar and restaurant was set to host a popular first Thursday event with performances by Jazz and Classical music artist Pablo Odriozola.

The spokesperson for Cape Town Disaster Management, Charlotte Powell, says the exact cause of the collapse is not known.

"A total of 21 patients were taken to various hospitals. A city building inspector was on site last night. We are awaiting a report," she said.

Venue owner Athos Euripidou says everyone is in shock.

"We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the incident and wish to extend our heartfelt apology to those who were affected and are praying that all those injured make a swift and full recovery.

“The balcony formed part of La Trip Club & Social on Castle Street, with the popular Athletic Club & Social around the corner on Buitengracht Street.

“We pride ourselves on our world-class offering to customers, and this has come as an enormous shock to all of us," he said.

 Euripidou said they would work together with the City of Cape Town and other relevant authorities to determine the cause of the collapse.

"The city's building inspectors had visited the site as part of their investigation. The La Trip Club & Social has been closed pending the finalisation of the investigation.

“ACS will be closed until we can ensure that the balcony structure is not compromised."

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