DURBAN - The Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality has committed itself to investigate and act after inspecting the pedestrian bridge that collapsed, leaving two people injured in KwaMankuntshane, next to Margate, south of Durban.
On Saturday, Ray Nkonyeni mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi, speaker Zodwa Mzindle, ward 29 councillor Ziphathele Sima and Induna uBab'uMpangele inspected the pedestrian bridge that collapsed on Wednesday and left two men injured.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said the emergency service responded to the scene of a structural collapse at 1.29pm on Wednesday afternoon.
Herbst said reports indicated that two men were injured when a steel and concrete pedestrian bridge collapsed.
“Medics treated both patients who had sustained fractures to their lower limbs,” Herbst said.
He said the patients were transported to hospital for further care.
In a statement, the municipality said while there would be a professional and structural investigation conducted by an engineer on the circumstances that led to the collapse, the mayor and the speaker wanted to check on what would have led to the collapse in human eyes.
“From what they saw, both mayor Mqadi and the speaker raised some concerns about the manner in which this pedestrian bridge was built, especially the fact that there was no pillar in the middle or on either side. They further said they will call for a structural assessment of all other pedestrian bridges of a similar structure,” the statement read.
The leadership was briefed by two eyewitnesses on how the bridge collapsed and also on the condition of the two men who were injured when the bridge collapsed.
Mayor Mqadi indicated that whatever the investigations reveal, action will be taken.
Daily News