JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday ordered a thorough investigation into a bridge collapse which killed at least three people and injured more than 20 others in Johannesburg one day earlier.
Zuma has directed the authorities to swiftly investigate the cause of the accident, presidential spokesperson Bongani Majola said.
The president also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, Majola said.
Zuma urged construction companies to always take necessary precautions to protect workers and the public during the construction phases to avoid such tragic accidents, said Majola.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg said they have received the latest report that three people were killed and more than 20 others injured, five of them critically.
The accident took place near Sandton, a financial hub in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon when scaffolding around the under-construction bridge caved in while cars were driving underneath it.
Also on Thursday, Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters said there's a need to unearth the reasons behind the tragic incident in order to prevent a recurrence in the future.
"I wish to convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the people who sadly perished due to the incident. I equally wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries," said the minister.
Peters commended the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng provincial government for their swift response to the accident, saying their interventions including free public transport services to affected people "is an act of proactive leadership".
