The collapse of the overhead bridge on Mphephu Drive in Thohoyandou last week has created a dangerous situation, especially for schoolchildren who need to cross the busy road daily.

The pedestrian bridge, located near what is commonly known as the Caltex station, was closed on 28 September after a lowbed truck carrying an excavator had crashed into it. The excavator struck the bridge overhead, causing parts of the cement slabs on the walkway to collapse, damaging passing cars.

Eyewitness Mr Dzivhuluwani Mulaudzi said the incident occurred around 14:00. He had just finished work at a local hardware store and was hurrying to the nearby bus stop when he heard a loud sound at the bridge.

“I rushed to the scene and saw that part of the bridge had collapsed. A white sedan was badly damaged. It was a scary sight. Within minutes, traffic officers arrived, cordoned off the area, and redirected motorists. Some cars were diverted to the Caltex garage while the clean-up operations were taking place,” he said.

Part of the road remained closed for most of Sunday. Thulamela municipal workers removed the remaining cement slabs, and the bridge was effectively closed.

The damage has caused not only inconvenience for motorists but also created a hazardous situation for pedestrians. Learners from Thohoyandou Secondary School used the bridge daily to cross the busy Mphephu Road on their way to school.

The bridge, built in 1995, had provided safe passage for pedestrians for nearly two decades. The danger became evident last week as learners were seen crossing the road, often resembling a dodging game, with pedestrians and motorists vying for the right of way.

One of the affected learners, Gundo Sadiki from Itsani, expressed concerns about their safety. “It is chaotic, and the worst part is that cars do not stop. This poses a great danger to us as learners. Something needs to be done. Perhaps the municipality should deploy traffic officers in the mornings and afternoons to help us cross safely. We also urge the municipality to repair the bridge as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Thulamela Municipality spokesperson Mr Ndwamato Tshiila confirmed that they had been notified of the incident and rushed to the scene. “We immediately cordoned off the area and diverted traffic, but later, motorists unlawfully removed the barricades. We have since cleared the slabs and closed the bridge. However, there are no immediate plans to repair it as it was not budgeted for,” he said.