Investigation into M1 bridge collapse may take 6 months
It will take approximately six months for South Africans to know the exact cause of the pedestrian bridge collapse over the M1 in Johannesburg earlier this month which left two people dead, the labour department said on Wednesday.
“The time frame for the formal inquiry – we have already started our preparations around the formal inquiry. We are looking at anything around six months at this stage,” Chief inspector Tibor Szana told reporters in Pretoria.
“You will, however, be mindful of the fact that we are collecting evidence and there are many parties involved in this formal inquiry. While conducting the formal inquiry, we will then determine how much additional time is required.”
Two people died and more than 20 were injured when the support structures around the “Great Walk” bridge near Grayston Drive gave away on October 14.
The labour department said the parties involved in the investigation were the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Development Agency which had appointed Royal Haskoning DHV as an agent. Murray and Roberts is the principal contractor.
The matter was reported to Bramley police station and is also being investigated by the South African police. - ANA