12.07.2011

Crane boom blocks traffic in Abu Dhabi

The lattice boom of a crawler crane came crashing down across a busy road in the centre of Abu Dhabi, UAE this morning blocking traffic for several hours.

Local reports say that the crane was working on a demolition site, using a demolition ball, although this has not been fully confirmed. The boom flipped over the back of the crane and fortunately appears to have missed any passing cars and there are no reports of injuries on site.
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The boom went over the back

Workers from the site were busy cutting the boom up and removing it when the police arrived and stopped them, while they carried out an investigation.
We understand that traffic on Hamdan Street is now flowing again.
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The boom blocked Hamdan Streetin Abu Dhabi

We understand that the crane a vintage model that we have not been able to identify, is owned by demolition contractor Al Hareef, was reversing at the time of the accident.

An indendent inspector checking the machine after the accident claimed that it was not properly certified and had a number of violations that would have prevented him from approving it as safe to work. The company dismissed the claims. An investigation is ongoing.