Part of the ceiling of the Somerset Mall collapsed this morning [Thursday, February 6], over a year after it had previously caved in. The mall has been evacuated as a result of the collapse, and two have been injured as a result of the incident.
“The City’s Fire & Rescue services are on the scene,” said spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
Reports stipulate that the ceiling caved in near the mall’s Wimpy. This is the same section that collapsed in August 2018, and left one person injured when the debris crashed down onto them.
Roof collapse at Somerset Mall:
RT to share@crimeairnetwork @ewnreporter @cci_network @FatalMoves @AccidentAwareSA @barrybateman @Snyman @eNCA @EMERGCONTROL @FraudWatchZA @CapeTownFreeway @Help24Security pic.twitter.com/B1ITFi1cyv— Stand Against E-Toll and Corruption (@mic02468) February 6, 2020
“The relevant consultants and professional team were called immediately and this area has been cordoned off and cleaning has commenced,” Somerset Mall said in a statement. “Determining the cause of this incident is our number one priority. Engineers and our professional ceiling consultants are busy with urgent investigations to determine the cause of this partial ceiling collapse.”
A similar incident occurred on August 5, 2018 after which a full audit and due diligence was conducted of the affected area including the surrounding mall ceiling and bulkhead structures. “As advised by our consultants, remedial action was taken at the time with no further concerns being identified,” the Mall added. “Urgent investigations are underway as to why this has reoccurred. We would like to assure our customers that the safety and security of all shoppers and tenants is of paramount importance.”
The affected area of the mall has been cordoned off until further notice however the rest of the mall is operating and trading as normal.
Please contact centre management on 021 852 7114 for any further information.
Picture: Supplied/Yusuf Abramjee