M1 Bridge Collapse - Grayston Drive

schumi

schumi

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'The wind blew - then there was a loud boom and the bridge collapsed'

Johannesburg - A construction worker with Murray & Roberts has spoken of how he witnessed the moment a temporary scaffolding structure in Sandton collapsed on Wednesday, leaving two dead and 23 injured.

Speaking to News24 reporter Lizeka Tandwa, he said he had been on the construction site when the incident occurred.

"He told me that while he was working, there was suddenly a strong wind and after that there was a huge sound - a boom - then the bridge collapsed," Tandwa said.

"None of the construction workers were injured, but he said there was nothing they could do as they saw one of the vehicles trapped under the bridge."

The worker, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said he did not know what could have led to the collapse.

Tandwa said there were still scores of paramedics, firefighters and police at the scene. About 100 onlookers had gathered to witness the rescue operation.

"Some people are still being escorted to ambulances," she said, adding that an emergency helicopter had also arrived, and a body was yet to be removed from the scene.

Murray & Roberts, the company responsible for the construction, said it was probing the incident.

Earlier, company spokesperson Ed Jardim said they did not immediately have all the details of the incident, but had sent people to the scene.

News24
Source
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...a-loud-boom-and-the-bridge-collapsed-20151014
 
E

ellyally

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:(

'Wind' may have been the final straw, but I'd wager shoddy friday afternoon workmanship or opportunistic scrap metal folks are likely behind this.... a bolt here, a pole there, no one will miss it, just like when buildings fall on them.

Hopefully body count doesn't increase.
 
Zenbaas

Zenbaas

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So any ideas if the other off ramps like marlboro and corlett will still be open tomorrow?
 
schumi

schumi

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Rescuers to work through the night after bridge collapse

Johannesburg - Rescuers are expected to work through the night following the collapse of a temporary bridge along the M1 highway in Sandton.

News24 reporter Lizeka Tandwa reported that while they were still trying to retrieve a body trapped under it, the operation was likely to be complicated.

"Rescuers are still trying to assess how to retrieve the body. Once they have done that, they will start to remove the steel beams and the debris," she said.

Tandwa reported that City of Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the mission was complicated because they needed to ensure that rescuers were safe when retrieving the body.

Paramedics confirmed earlier that two people were dead and 23 were injured following the collapse.

Murray & Roberts, the company responsible for the construction, said it was probing the incident.

Company spokesperson Ed Jardim said at the time they did not immediately have all the details of the incident, but had sent people to the scene.

Traffic was gridlocked as a result of the incident.

The City of Johannesburg tweeted late on Wednesday night that, in light of the incident, all Putco services from Soweto will be free on Thursday as well as Gautrain bus services.

News24
Source
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...ough-the-night-after-bridge-collapse-20151014
 
schumi

schumi

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Grayston bridge collapse: The city's traffic plans for Thursday

JOHANNESBURG – Following the collapse of the bridge on the M1 on Grayston Drive traffic has been a nightmare for motorists.

The City of Joburg announced parts of the M1 highway will be closed around Grayston until further notice.



The city has, however, put contingency plans in place to deal with the traffic chaos that will no doubt arise as motorists make their way to work tomorrow.
At least two people died and 23 others were injured.

Joburg Emergency Services say they've managed to free all those who were trapped under the collapsed scaffolding.

The municipality has partnered with the likes of Uber, Gautrain and Putco to offer free services to commuters in certain parts of Johannesburg.

All Putco services from Soweto to Sandton, Sunninghill and Fourways will be free all day tomorrow.

Metrobus will increase services on their north and south routes, meaning that all buses will be made available.

Gautrain buses will also be free the entire day to and from their stations.

Uber offered free rides up to R250 to and from Gautrain stations until 9pm on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the EcoMobility planning committee removed barricades on West Road in the Sandton business district to relieve pressure from the traffic grid.

The streets of Sandton have remained gridlocked due to the tragedy.

The EcoMobility Festival organisers have also sent their condolences to the families of the two people killed in the collapse.
Click to expand...

More at http://ewn.co.za/2015/10/14/Grayston-collapse-Emergency-plans-for-tomorrow
 
Aquila ka Hecate

Aquila ka Hecate

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Joburg EcoMobility. Lisa Seftel. City of Joburg.

Your "Corridors of Freedom" are splayed all over the highway.
 
TofuMofu

TofuMofu

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M1 still closed from Waterfall M1/N1 split.

At least I left early so safe at work :p

I work next to M1 just after Clorlett drive.
 
TofuMofu

TofuMofu

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Fudzy said:
Never realised how dumb Grayhairston is spelt. When I heard it on the radio I thought it was just Grayston.
Click to expand...

It is Grayston. Grayhairston is a play on the name that Gautrain came up with.
 
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