07.01.2009

Storm downs tower crane

A tower crane collapsed at one of South Africa’s new football stadiums in Nelspruit yesterday causing damage to the stadium which is 60 percent complete, but no injuries.

The severe storm swept through the city, the capital of Mpumalanga province, on Sunday evening, uprooting trees and causing other damage.

The crane was set up in the centre of the stadium and fortunately fell away from the completed VIP buildings with the superstructure landing outside in a materials storage area. The tower caused damage to roofing bays and pre-cast seating beams which will delay the completion by around two months.

A replacement crane will be sent from the stadium in Soweto which is nearing completion.

The stadium is scheduled to be handed over the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) by December, but local officials said last night that in spite of the delay the hand-over would take place in June – six months earlier than scheduled..