The balcony, which formed part of the La Trip Club & Social in Cape Town, collapsed due to an overload and structural failure, says Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning.
Also read: Many injured after La Trip Club & Social balcony collapses
The incident occurred during First Thursday festivities on 2 November at La Trip Club & Social on Castle Street, a new establishment by the Athletic Club and Social. The venue released a statement shortly after, confirming that 20 people were injured.
At the time, owner Athos Euripidou stated that the La Trip Club & Social had been closed pending the finalisation of an investigation by City of Cape Town officials.
Alderman Andrews told Cape {town} Etc that the balcony was for decorative purposes only and not for public use.
‘The 102 Castle Street balcony collapsed as people gained access to the balcony, causing an overload and structural failure. The collapsed balcony was for decorative purposes only, and not designed for structural loads other than its self-weight and the occasional maintenance staff.’
He adds that the last building plan for the property was approved in June 2018. This plan stipulated that the portion of the building that collapsed was not accessible to the public.
‘However, it now appears that this balcony area was made accessible to the public in contravention of the last approved building plan. The building is currently cordoned off.’
As part of the ongoing investigation and subsequent procedures, the City of Cape Town has shut down the building for public use, instructed the owner to remove all persons occupying and working in the building, and instructed the owner to appoint (at his own cost) a structural engineer to submit a report to the City, indicating which steps will be taken to render the building safe.
Euripidou told Cape {town} Etc that the venue is not in a position to comment further as the outcome of the formal investigation is still pending. ‘We remain fully committed to working with the City of Cape Town and other relevant authorities to determine what caused the incident.’
Also read:
Athletic Club & Social confirms 20 people injured after balcony collapsed
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook