The structure was setup whilst Murray & Roberts begun construction of the R130 million 'The Great Walk Bridge', a pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing over the M1 highway. The construction of the bridge commissioned by the City of Joburg started in March and is due to be completed by October 2016.

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. 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," the company said. 

Murray & Roberts shares fell the most in more than four-and-a-half years after the bridge collapsed. The stock dropped 7.3% to R11.15 at the close on the JSE — the most since February 2011 — extending its decline for the year to 48%.

Sandton is experiencing a boom in new developments and expansions, with the new Sasol head office, Central Square and a host of other developments under construction. Recently Sandton City reported successive cases of ceiling collapse.

The City of Joburg has been proactive in addressing transport logistics by declaring that on Thursday Putco services from Soweto will be free, Metrobuses coming into Sandton and Gautrain buses in Gauteng will be free. Ecomobility road closures have also been relaxed.