Investigation under way in Beyers Naudé Drive building collapse
FAIRLAND – Contractors urged to stop to avoid shortcuts following near tragedy.
Traffic along Beyers Naudé Drive came to a standstill on January 26 due to the heavy contingent of emergency services and police, following the near-tragic incident.
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs, who was at the scene, explained that the four people injured on the site were as a result of the slab of the foundation of the floor above coming down. “I have been dealing with the director of the building development and the MMC in regard to this and the matter has been reported to the police and the Department of Labour [due to the injuries].
There were no fatalities but there have been injuries. There was an immediate stoppage to the work as an immediate work stoppage order notice was issued.” She added that she is expecting a full report on the matter on January 28.
Upon her arrival to the site, various safety regulations were not being adhered to. The collapse came as concrete was being poured onto one of the slabs. Although Jacobs was relieved that there were no fatalities she could not help but ponder the disaster it could’ve been had more people been injured or people had died.
She said, “People must stick to the regulations when it comes to construction projects. We will be investigating this matter to the last letter because what happened was unacceptable.”
Jacobs urged all constructions sites and managers to ensure that all safety regulations are being followed to avoid such happening. She stated that no shortcuts must be taken by people in these industries.
This is a developing story. An update will be made once it has become available.
