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The Citizen reports that Gauteng Metrorail temporarily suspended trains operating between Johannesburg and Germiston on Wednesday due to the collapse of a pedestrian overhead bridge between Jeppe and George Goch stations.
Two people were injured, one seriously, while crossing the bridge when it collapsed onto the railway train tracks, damaging the overhead traction equipment.. They were taken to hospital for further medical assessment. According to the City of Johannesburg Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, it was lucky the bridge collapsed at around 13:30 because it accommodated hundreds of pedestrians between 16:00 and 18:00. "That and the train on the tracks could have been a mass casualty incident," Tshwaku said. According to a paramedic, the bridge was built in the 1970s and collapsed because of vibrational fatigue. He said some of the infrastructure was missing, possibly stolen. Tshwaku added he was told the bridge was starting to tilt. Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng advised: “Commuters traveling on the Johannesburg and Germiston lines are advised to seek alternative transport until further notice.” An investigation into what led to the collapse of the bridge will be established.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen
- Read too, Two injured after Prasa bridge collapses in Jeppestown, at News24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page