22.10.2013

Fatal crane overturn

A lattice truck crane overturned yesterday in Maplewood, near Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota trapping the crane operator in his cab.
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The overturned crane

The operator Cory Lewellin, 34, was operating the crane, owned by Truck Crane Service of Eagan, and according to local sources was out on rent to Landwehr Construction of St. Cloud and was rigged with 140ft/43 metres of boom. It looks like a 125 ton American 7150.

The crane was lifting a pre-cast concrete beam at the time and according to initial police reports the ground, had been recently excavated and gave way under the outriggers. It also looks as though the front outrigger beams may not have been fully extended?

Later feedback from the site suggests that capacity differences between side and rear may have been to blame, rather than ground conditions or outrigger position.
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The outriggers sank into the ground

No one else was hurt in the incident

UPDATE

A benefit account has been set up a the Greater Minnesota Credit Union for Cory Lewellin’s family – he leaves behind three sons, while his fiancée is due to give birth to a girl, next month.

The credit union said that contributions are being accepted at its locations in Mora, Milaca, Isle, Elk River, Pine City and Ogilvie.