Bridge collapses: 2 die
2003-11-13 21:52
Johannesburg - Two people were killed and 18 injured when a bridge collapsed at Coega in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
The bridge was still under construction.
National labour department spokesperson Snuki Zikalala said officials had gone to the scene and halted construction.
They issued a prohibition notice against the construction company, Stephan Nuiit and Bressan.
Coega Development Corporation (CDC) spokesperson Vuyelwa Vika said CDC would be working with the authorities to conduct a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Zikalala said Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana had instructed labour officials to investigate whether the construction company was registered with the compensation fund and the unemployment insurance fund.
"We welcome the development of Coega but we will not tolerate companies that put profits before safety of workers", he said.
"The department of labour will at all times ensure that employers comply with the law."
- SAPA