PICS: Three dead after M1 bridge collapse

Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau on Wednesday evening announced that three people had died and 21 others were injured when a pedestrian bridge that was under construction collapsed.

Earlier witnesses said the bridge near the Grayston off rump, that leads to Sandton, collapsed after strong winds hit the area. The bridge was being constructed by Murray & Roberts.

The scaffolding, debris and metal structures supporting the bridge fell onto cars driving along the M1. Some cars were trapped under the rubble.

Tau said for now the city was focused on “emergency” work that had to be done. He warned that the M1 freeway was unlikely to be open to traffic Thursday.

He said the City had decided to make “Park and Ride buses” that were taking part in the Ecomobililty World Festival available for free to assist the public to access Sandton.

Tau said for now the city was focused on “emergency” work that had to be done. He warned that the M1 freeway was unlikely to be open to traffic Thursday.

He said the City had decided to make “Park and Ride buses” that were taking part in the Ecomobililty World Festival available for free to assist the public to access Sandton.

Tau said the City would eventually resuscitate the project because “10 000 people” presently walk across the Grayston bridge.

Owing to the traffic build up a bus that was driving off the road was involved in an accident near the collapsed bridge. Tau said he had no idea what the casualty figures were if any.