
Three injured after wall collapses in Houghton, Johannesburg
Everyone who was actively working on the site when the wall collapsed is safe.
A wall collapsed at a construction site in a residential area in Houghton, in Johannesburg, on 9 June 2025. Picture: Joburg Emergency Services
Three people have been rescued at a construction site, north of Johannesburg, after a wall collapsed at a residential area.
It is understood that the accident happened in Houghton on Monday afternoon.
Wall collapse
Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said they responded to the wall collapse just after 1:30pm.
'Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered three individuals trapped beneath a wall. Rescue operations commenced immediately.
'Two patients were extricated and transported to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for further treatment. The third patient was rescued shortly afterwards and taken to Milpark Hospital, 'Khumalo said.
Khumalo added that they will remain at the scene to ensure the area is safe and to investigate the cause of the accident.
ALSO READ: George building collapse: Minister details investigation findings
Structural collapse
In March, two men died after being trapped under a house's structural collapse in Phoenix.
Sections of an incomplete home renovation in Canehaven Drive were believed to have given way, resulting in the accident.
First responders reported that the men could not initially be removed from the rubble, as they had been pinned against a permanent structure.
Mozambican nationals were reportedly digging a trench to redirect a drainage system as part of a home renovation project.
George building collapse
Meanwhile, last year's building collapse in George that killed 34 people could have been prevented if established procedures had been followed.
Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng presented an overview of a report on the collapse to her department's portfolio committee.
The report was concluded earlier this year and submitted to the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) on 26 March.
Investigations
A multi-story development under construction collapsed on 6 May 2024 on Victoria Street in the suburb of Dormehls Drift in George.
Subsequent investigations have implicated the contractor involved, while the report discussed on Friday focused on the actions of National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) officials.
Simelane-Nkadimeng stated that multiple errors were made by NHBRC staff, primarily in failing to follow procedures and conduct proper oversight.
Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale
ALSO READ: WATCH: One injured after building collapses in Lenasia, Joburg
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a day ago
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Three injured after wall collapses in Houghton, Johannesburg
Everyone who was actively working on the site when the wall collapsed is safe. A wall collapsed at a construction site in a residential area in Houghton, in Johannesburg, on 9 June 2025. Picture: Joburg Emergency Services Three people have been rescued at a construction site, north of Johannesburg, after a wall collapsed at a residential area. It is understood that the accident happened in Houghton on Monday afternoon. Wall collapse Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said they responded to the wall collapse just after 1:30pm. 'Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered three individuals trapped beneath a wall. Rescue operations commenced immediately. 'Two patients were extricated and transported to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for further treatment. The third patient was rescued shortly afterwards and taken to Milpark Hospital, 'Khumalo said. Khumalo added that they will remain at the scene to ensure the area is safe and to investigate the cause of the accident. ALSO READ: George building collapse: Minister details investigation findings Structural collapse In March, two men died after being trapped under a house's structural collapse in Phoenix. Sections of an incomplete home renovation in Canehaven Drive were believed to have given way, resulting in the accident. First responders reported that the men could not initially be removed from the rubble, as they had been pinned against a permanent structure. Mozambican nationals were reportedly digging a trench to redirect a drainage system as part of a home renovation project. George building collapse Meanwhile, last year's building collapse in George that killed 34 people could have been prevented if established procedures had been followed. Minister of Human Settlements Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng presented an overview of a report on the collapse to her department's portfolio committee. The report was concluded earlier this year and submitted to the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) on 26 March. Investigations A multi-story development under construction collapsed on 6 May 2024 on Victoria Street in the suburb of Dormehls Drift in George. Subsequent investigations have implicated the contractor involved, while the report discussed on Friday focused on the actions of National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) officials. Simelane-Nkadimeng stated that multiple errors were made by NHBRC staff, primarily in failing to follow procedures and conduct proper oversight. Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale ALSO READ: WATCH: One injured after building collapses in Lenasia, Joburg

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With reference to the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC) Home Building Manual: Part 2 (2015); structural damage is classified by maximum crack widths in masonry walls as follows; Minor damage (Categories 0 to 2) is classified by crack widths of 0.25-5mm. Significant damage (Categories 3 to 5) is classified by crack widths of 5-25mm. Over 25mm is considered major and signals a danger of instability. In most instances, minor damage (Categories 0 to 2) represents aesthetic damage as opposed to serviceability damage (Categories 3 to 4) and stability damage (Category 5). Category 0 'negligible' cracking, cracks less than 0.25mm in width. Category 1 'very slight' cracking, cracks less than 1mm in width, isolated and localized. Category 2 'slight' cracks less than 5mm in width. Category 3 'moderate' cracks between 5mm and 15mm or a number of cracks in one group. Professional intervention highly recommended. Category 4 'severe' cracks between 15mm and 25mm, depending also on number of cracks in a group. This indicates serious movement and stability issues and requires immediate professional intervention. Category 5 'very severe' cracks usually greater than 25mm, depending also on number of cracks in a group. This indicates very serious movement and stability issues. Immediate professional intervention required with possible major repair work necessary. The repaired cracks should be regularly monitored. If minor cracking continues to occur these should be repaired during regular maintenance of the dwelling. If, however, further significant cracking occurs, Category 3, 4 or even 5 cracks, the homeowner MUST engage the services of a professional for assessment. Depending on the severity, it may be necessary to appoint a structural engineer and/or a geotechnical engineer to carry out a detailed assessment of the cracking to determine whether underpinning of the structure is required. Cracks That Follow a Stair-Step Pattern Cracks that form a zigzag or stair-step pattern along brick or block walls usually indicate foundation movement. This is especially concerning if they appear in conjunction with uneven floors or sticking doors and windows. These patterns follow the mortar lines and are often symptomatic of subsidence or soil expansion beneath the structure. This type of damage should never be ignored, as it can rapidly worsen without the necessary wall crack repairs. Horizontal or Diagonal Cracks While vertical cracks are common and often benign, horizontal or diagonal cracks, particularly near the ceiling or at the corners of windows and doors, are more serious. These types of cracks may suggest pressure from shifting foundations or water damage compromising structural integrity. Horizontal cracks in concrete or masonry walls, especially in basements, may indicate hydrostatic pressure and require immediate attention. Cracks Accompanied by Moisture or Mould Any crack that allows water to seep through is cause for concern. Dampness around a crack can lead to mould growth, which brings health risks and can weaken surrounding materials. If you notice musty smells, visible mould, or water stains around cracks, it's important to act quickly. Water ingress not only worsens structural damage but can also create long-term issues with air quality and internal finishes. Sudden Appearance or Rapid Worsening of Cracks A crack that appears suddenly or grows quickly over days or weeks is a serious warning sign. This kind of rapid progression can be triggered by events such as earthquakes, nearby construction, or failing retaining structures. Regardless of the cause, fast-growing cracks are rarely superficial and should be assessed by a professional without delay. 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