Media Update 6 - from Murray & Roberts – 19:00

15 October 2015

Following the collapse of the bridge support structure on the M1:

Our Board and management express their deepest gratitude to all those who worked through the night to coordinate the rescue and clearing operations. We also thank the public for their compassion and understanding during this incredibly difficult and tragic time. 

We have, over the course of the day, made contact and met with the families of the diseased. We have also spoken with a number of the injured and will ensure they, and all affected parties, are receiving the necessary care and monitor their recovery. Over the next period, we will work closely with a team of independent counselling and trauma practitioners to ensure they are given all appropriate assistance.

The M1 was reopened at around 3pm today.

There are a number of investigations underway to determine the cause or causes of the collapse of the bridge support structure. At this point, we are unable to comment on how long the investigations will take and when they will conclude and we once again appeal to the public to await the outcome. We are as concerned as everyone to understand what happened, and commit to sharing information as soon as the investigation is complete.

Media Update 5 - from Murray & Roberts – 12:40

15 October 2015

Murray & Roberts explains process going forward

Following the collapse of the bridge support structure on the M1:

Murray & Roberts confirms that on Wednesday, 14 October, the company launched a formal investigation into the cause or causes for the collapse of the bridge support structure over the M1 highway.

This is in addition to other investigations that have been initiated by the Department of Labour, the City of Johannesburg, the SAPS, and other parties, with which Murray & Roberts is closely cooperating.

The investigations will include analysis and research conducted by technical, engineering, legal and forensic specialists. 

At this point, we are unable to comment on how long the investigations will take and when they will conclude and we appeal to the public to await the outcome. We are as concerned as everyone to understand what happened, and commit to sharing information as soon as the investigation is complete.

We would caution against speculation as the causes for this tragic event need to be thoroughly and properly investigated.

Our immediate priority is to continue reaching out to the families of those affected and to ensure they are being taken care of and to clear the scene so that motorists in Johannesburg are able to commute using the M1 highway. The company confirms that the highway is expected to be open for peak time traffic today.

Media Update 4 - from Murray & Roberts – 10:30

15 October 2015

Murray & Roberts has the following information to share:

-  Murray & Roberts is aware of various statements attributed to the company which speculate over the cause, or causes, of the incident.

-  The company can confirm that it has made no such claims, that the cause, or causes, have not been identified and that all possible causes are the subject of formal investigation. 

-  Our immediate priorities are to make contact with the families of those affected and to ensure they are being taken care of and to clear the scene so that motorists in Johannesburg are able to commute.

-  Senior directors of Murray & Roberts, including its Group CEO Henry Lass, have been on site assisting with rescue and clearing operations since the incident occurred on Wednesday.

-  The company is working closely with the City of Joburg and all emergency services and early estimates indicate that the N1 will be cleared today.

-  The company is contacting and assisting the families of those affected.

Media Update 3 - from Murray & Roberts – 20:15

14 October 2015

Bridge support structure collapse on M1, close to Grayston Drive

Murray & Roberts confirms the cause of the incident has not yet been determined. Its senior directors are at the scene of the incident, assisting the City of Johannesburg and emergency services.

The company’s immediate priority is to ensure those involved are taken care of.

Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Media Update 2 from Murray & Roberts – 18:10
14 October 2015

Bridge support structure collapse on M1, close to Grayston Drive

We’ve been informed that that there are two fatalities and three people are still trapped. Murray & Roberts offers its condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathy to those injured.

Emergency services are in control of the rescue operations, supported by senior Murray & Roberts personnel and equipment.

Further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Media Update 1 - from Murray & Roberts – 17:30
14 October 2015

Murray & Roberts can confirm that this afternoon, a support structure that was erected to enable the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the M1, collapsed.

The exact cause of the incident is not known at this time. All of our incident response procedures have been initiated, our support services have been mobilised and relevant authorities have been advised. Emergency services are on site – any injuries or fatalities cannot be confirmed at this point in time.

Further information will be released when available.

Ends

Statements issued by Henry Laas, Group CE for Murray & Roberts, 14 & 15 October 2015