Update:
It has been confirmed that the incident occurred at La Trip Club & Social on Castle Street, a new establishment by the Athletic Club and Social. La Trip Club & Social is located around the corner from the Athletic Club & Social, which is situated on Buitengracht Street.
The Athletic Club & Social have released a statement confirming that around 5:30pm on Thursday, the venue’s balcony on the Castle Street side of the heritage building in Cape Town’s CBD collapsed, resulting in 20 people being injured.
The balcony formed part of the venue’s latest club and restaurant La Trip Club & Social, located at 102 Castle Street, with the popular Athletic Club & Social around the corner on Buitengracht Street.
Also read: Many injured after Athletic Club & Social balcony collapses
Venue owner Athos Euripidou also confirmed that the 20 people were transported to nearby hospitals.
‘We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the incident and wish to extend our heartfelt apology to those who were affected and are praying that all those injured make a swift and full recovery,’ said Euripidou in a statement on social media.
‘We pride ourselves on our world-class offering to consumers and this has come as an enormous shock to all of us,’ he added.
The City of Cape Town’s building inspectors had visited the site but the cause of the balcony’s collapse is still under investigation.
‘We are fully committed to working with the City of Cape Town and other relevant authorities to determine what caused the balcony to give way and to ensure we can resume operations in a safe and secure manner,’ said Euripidou.
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He added that the La Trip Club & Social has been closed pending the finalisation of the investigation.
‘Athletic Club & Social will be closed until we can ensure that the balcony structure is not compromised,’ concluded the statement.
The incident occurred during the popular First Thursdays festivities when art enthusiasts and curious locals gather to explore a diverse range of exhibitions, performances and events in and around the Mother City’s CBD.
A witness told Daily Maverick he was standing in the road when he saw the balcony collapse.
After radioing his office to call an ambulance, the witness said he rushed to the scene and tried to help injured people. He added that one man was ‘badly hurt’ and ‘bleeding heavily’ above his ear.
The Athletic Club & Social, a fan-favourite destination on First Thursdays, often becomes packed as the night progresses.
‘First Thursday of the month – month end – oh my goodness, it could have been worse,’ added the witness.
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Picture: @JustdoitZee / X