03.10.2011

Fatal tower crane collapse in Penang

A tower crane fell onto three residential houses last night in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.

The collapse occurred around midnight, when the crane, located on the site of a new 20 floor hotel on the opposite side of the street from the affected homes, went over from its base. One report suggests that very strong winds may have played a part on the collapse which was clearly casued by a failure of the crane's foundation.
Please register to see all images

It seems obvious that the crane's foundation failed

The dead man, Leong Yee Khoon, 64, was said to have been sleeping in his room on the second floor of the house when the tower crane struck at 12:15..

Three others on the house were injured, Luar Chooi Guan, 77, his wife Chew Hong Choo, 76 and their son Seong Ean, 55. A commercial building behind the houses, also suffered some damage in the incident.
Please register to see all images

The crane demolished the top floor of the old building

The department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) was due to arrive at the site this morning to launch an investigation.