The M4 footbridge over Blue Lagoon in eThekweni municipality collapsed on Saturday, 23 June, after thieves had stolen the stainless steel shackles, which connected the supporting beams of the structure. The sidewalk collapsed due to a structural failure on the north-east corner of the barrier, with parts of the footbridge falling into the uMgeni River.
Deputy Head of the road systems management at eThekweni, Carlos Esteves, said that the collapse was unforeseen and the municipality was amazed that the thieves were able to access this area. Esteves said that the department would have to consider encasing the stainless steel connectors in concrete as a way to curb further theft.
The M4 bridge after the collapse
