ACSA investigates cause of advertising billboard that fell at OR Tambo
No injuries were reported
AIRPORTS Company South Africa (ACSA) said investigations were under way to determine the cause of the advertising billboard which fell over at the lower basement parking exit at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Friday morning, last week.
Colin Naidoo, the acting spokesman for ACSA, said the safety of the public was their main concern.
“We will continue to work with the authorities and the service provider to ensure this does not reoccur,” he said.
It was reported that all basement parking exits were blocked off and that customers were re-directed by staff on site who were assisting with the collection of tickets.
There were no traffic delays.
Naidoo said the maintenance team reacted immediately, and together with the traffic authorities had ensured that the area around the billboard was cordoned off to avoid any injuries to the public, and any damage to facilities and infrastructure around the billboard.
“We can report that due to the swift response there were no injuries reported,” he added.
The billboard was down for hours and Naidoo said that this was due to the size and structure of the billboard.
He said expert and additional manpower was deployed, but would not say to which advertising company the billboard belonged.
“At this stage we are investigating the cause of the incident and we are working closely with service provider to ensure the structure is properly positioned,” he said.
“Our team of experts are currently investigating the cause of the incident.”
On arrival at the scene at about noon, EXPRESS found traffic was under control, but the billboard was still on the ground.
Although taken to the scene, EXPRESS was not allowed to take any photographs.
Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, spokesman for the Ekurhuleni metro police, said the precinct commander had given the assurance that officers would assist until the billboard had been removed.
