15.07.2010

Fatal crane accident in Austria

A crane operator died after he fell 15 metres from a scaffold yesterday in Wels Austria.

Local reports say that the 45 year old was directing a tower crane by radio from the scaffold when load struck the platform he was standing on sending him to the ground.

The man struck his head when he landed, but apparently came-to and was able to speak to the paramedics who took him to a local hospital where he died an hour and half later.

Vertikal Comment

It is possible that the reports we have received are not 100 percent accurate, either then man was using radio controls to operate the crane and knocked himself off of his platform which is what the chain of events seemed to indicate. Or as the reports, when translated, indicate he was acting as a banksman and was directing a tower crane operator via radio.

Either way the end result is the same. If any one has more information on this tragic accident we would appreciate hearing so that we might update this article. There are clearly lessons to be learnt here.