Collapse likely due to structure failure

PROBE ONGOING: DOSH to look into quality of materials used in bridge work

INITIAL investigations have revealed structure failure may have been the cause for the collapse of a pedestrian bridge under construction near Mid Valley Megamall on Wednesday.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) director-general Datuk Mohtar Musri said the department would refer to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall with regard to the quality of materials used in the construction and possible drawbacks in design structure.

“We take every accident that happens seriously, especially when it involves death, be it of construction workers or the public. Action will be taken if investigations reveal that there was a breach of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and Factories and Machinery Act 1967,” he said in a statement.

Project developer SP Setia Bhd said construction of the rest of the project, with the exception of the bridge, would continue.

In a statement, SP Setia said the project team would continue to work with the authorities despite the suspension of work at the site.

“Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the failure and the project team will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities. With the exception of the bridge that gave way, work will continue for the rest of the project.

“We deeply regret the incident and would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. We will continue to (provide) updates in due course,” it said.

The bridge, which was being constructed across Sungai Klang, collapsed at 3.30pm on Wednesday while some workers were installing glass panels. Others were sitting below during their lunch break.

A Vietnamese construction worker was killed, believed drowned when he fell into the river. Five others were reported injured, including two seriously.

One of those injured had to have his leg amputated on site as it was crushed beneath the structure, trapping him.

As of press time, the five injured who were brought to the University Malaya Medical Centre were in stable condition.

Following the collapse, one worker was listed as missing and rescuers searched beneath the rubble, with the help of a K9 unit.

Yesterday, the authorities called off the search for the missing worker at 10.25am, satisfied that he was not buried underneath the rubble of the collapsed bridge.

However, the Fire and Rescue Department was on standby in case the worker was found during clean-up operations.

City Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Ruhisha Haris said if a body was found under the rubble, firemen would immediately extricate the body and hand it over to police.

“After hours of searching together with the K9 unit, we are satisfied as there is no indication that there is anyone trapped under the rubble. The dogs did not pick up any trace of victims in the wreckage,” said Ruhisha.