15.09.2010

Two killed in mast climber collapse

A mother and daughter have died and three men were injured after a mast climber collapsed in Liege, Belgium yesterday.
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The site in Liege

According to the reports that we have been sent the mast climber or material hoist was working on the facade of the Media City site in Liege yesterday morning. Julie Van Weereld, 26, and her mother Patricia Van Weereld, 49, were travelling in the 12 metre high platform along with Samuel Torrijos, 24, Kévin Nailis, 16 and Luigi Gallina, 30 and a load, when the mast broke away from the building.
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The collapsed mast can be seen in this picture

The Weerelds died on site, while Torrijos and Nailis are in critical condition in hospital. Gallina is apparently out of danger.

The initial findings from investigators is that the platform which has an 800ks capacity was overloaded, although has yet to be confirmed. The platform had been inspected and tested by a third party as recently as June.
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Initial reports suggest that the platform was carryng a load along with 5 occupants

The lift was being used by subcontractor4s working for the contractor Moury. That is all the information we have at this time.

Vertikal Comment

This is a tragic accident which on the surface appears to be down to miss use, we cannot be clear if this was a transport platform which is what we understand it to be, or a work platform. The fact is that it does appear to have been significantly overloaded. As a result two people have lost their lives so far.

We will endeavour to keep in touch with this story and will aim to pass on the facts when they are published. If any of our Belgian readers would assist with this we would be extremely grateful.