Investigation Underway After Pedestrian Bridge Collapse In Joburg Leaving Two Injured
A pedestrian bridge collapse in Jeppestown, Johannesburg has left two people injured and train services between Johannesburg and Germiston suspended.
Engineers and top management from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) are currently investigating the extent of the damage caused by the collapse of the footbridge on the train lines between Jeppestown and George Goch railway stations.
The incident, which occurred recently, has prompted PRASA to deploy its technical team and activate the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) to assess the situation. PRASA Engineers and senior management are currently on-site conducting a thorough assessment of the damage. An investigation will also be launched to determine the cause of the bridge collapse.
In response to the incident, PRASA expressed their appreciation for the swift responses from their security team, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and Emergency Services. The agency commended their efforts in handling the situation.
Metrorail Spokesperson, Lillian Mofokeng, and Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, were interviewed by Phemelo Motene on Point of View. Mofokeng confirmed that PRASA is taking the incident very seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of passengers and the public.
She stated, ‘We would like to commend the swift responses from our security team, JMPD, and Emergency Services. PRASA deployed its technical team and activated the Joint Operations Committee (JOC) as soon as the incident happened. Regrettably, a team of PRASA Engineers and senior management are currently on-site to assess the extent of the damage. An investigation to what led to the collapse of the footbridge will be established.’
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Dr Tshwaku emphasized the importance of investigating the incident thoroughly to prevent future accidents. He stated, ‘We need to ensure that the infrastructure is safe for the public to use. The investigation will be crucial in identifying any potential risks and taking the necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.’
The suspension of train services between Johannesburg and Germiston has inconvenienced many commuters. PRASA has advised passengers to seek alternative modes of transportation while the investigation and repair work are underway. They have also assured the public that they are working diligently to restore train services as soon as possible.
Reports of a bridge collapse in Jeppestown, JHB. Photos pic.twitter.com/iu8CNcmXtP
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 4, 2023
