UPDATE: ‘We are extremely regretful about what happened’ – Northmead Square owner
The owners of Northmead Square expressed regret regarding the partial caving of a ceiling at the centre’s First National Bank branch, in which a woman was injured.
The incident happened at around 10am on Monday (September 5).
Paramedics from Netcare 911 and ER24 responded to the call and made sure the woman, who sustained minor injuries, was transported to the Life the Glynnwood Hospital.
Marnitz Jacobs witnessed the roof collapse.
“I was inside the bank and saw the woman talking to a man, when the roof suddenly gave in,” Jacobs said.
“As it hit her, she shot to the side.
“I called my mom from downstairs, who is a nurse to come help.”
Bentel Group, the owner of Northmead Square, said the collapse was not caused by the construction work currently taking place at the centre, but rather due to the existing structure.
“During the construction process (at Northmead Square), it was brought to our attention that a specific portion of the existing perimeter parapet wall at one section of the building showed signs of weakness,” said Rene Blankers, portfolio manager at Bentel Group.
“We requested our professional team to investigate the seriousness of the matter, and to ensure that the safety of our shoppers, tenants and staff are not compromised in any way.
“Safety precautions required that a portion of the Spur and one of the cinemas at Ster Kinekor be closed until such a time as the remedial work was completed, which was re-opened upon completion of the work and the area declared safe.
“The remedial work does not require any additional safety precautions to the interior of the mall, as the area of concern was only the exterior of the building.
“A second contractor has been brought in to expedite the completion of the remedial work to the existing structure.”
Blankers went on to say the centre’s owners maintain a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any issue that puts public safety at risk.
“We are however extremely regretful about what happened and assure that all will be done to protect the public and staff at the centre,” she concluded.
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