25.09.2010

Outrigger accident in Austin

A crane went over on Friday in Austin Texas, after the ground gave way under its rear outriggers, seriously injuring a 36 year old man standing near to the crane.

The crane, a Link Belt HTC8640 owned by White Construction, was working on a retirement home project when the ground appears to have completely collapsed under the rear outriggers as the crane was lifting a concrete bucket.
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The ground collapsed under the crane's rear end

We are unable to tell if any mats were used under the outriggers, the weather had apparently softened the ground in recent days.

The following statement was released by the developer of the project shortly after the accident: “An individual was injured today in a construction-related accident at 4300 Bull Creek Avenue in Austin, north of the current Westminster Manor building at the site of construction of a new multi-story addition being managed by White Construction Company. The identity and the condition of the injured worker have not yet been released, but he is believed to have been an employee of a construction subcontractor.”

“OSHA and the Austin Police Department are currently exploring the cause of the accident. Our independent living and healthcare center is open and operating under normal conditions and no Westminster Manor residents or personnel were injured in the accident. No other information as to the details of the accident is available at this time. The recent event is unfortunate and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the injured individual.”