2 Killed, 17 Injured As South Africa Temporary Bridge Collapses

Temporary bridge collapsed in South Africa

At least two people have died and at least 17 have been injured in South Africa after a bridge collapsed over the main highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

The BBC's Justine Lang in Johannesburg says the temporary pedestrian bridge was built of scaffolding and fell on top of at least three cars.

Emergency services are attempting to reach those trapped.

eNCA reports that two people are confirmed dead and at least 17 injured after a temporary bridge next to Grayston Drive collapsed onto the M1 highway. Spokesperson for Netcare 911, Chris Botha confirmed the death of a taxi driver and one other. He indicated two critically injured are being airlifted to hospital.

The temporary bridge collapsed at around 3:45pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic is badly affected on both sides of the road.

Ambulances are on the scene, with reports emerging of cars trapped under the wreckage.

Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi, shortly after the incident said, "A vehicle has been trapped underneath the scaffolding of the bridge. There is an unconfirmed number of people trapped in the vehicle and emergency workers are attempting to get them out," he said.

"There was a taxi also involved in the accident. People that were in the taxi are being treated at the scene for minor injuries."

Kate Nokwe, eNCA sports reporter, was at the scene and said, "They are still cutting the taxi and loading off people. One gentlemen was just hauled off in a stretcher. He does not look to be in good shape at all," she said.

"Emergency workers have had to cut bits of the taxi to get the people out."

By all appearances, the bridge spontaneously collapsed and landed on the taxi and the vehicle, trapping the vehicle underneath it.