31.01.2013

Utility truck fails in Williamsburg

A man pruning trees to keep them clear of power lines in Williamsburg, Virginia was injured yesterday after his aerial lift collapsed.
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The lift came down close to a parked car

The man, an employee of ABC Professional Tree Services of Richmond, Virgina, was rushed to hospital but reported to be in stable condition with his injuries said to be non-life threatening.

The boom came down after the base boom/riser pivot pin came out of the turret or failed. The boom and bucket struck a car as it descended.
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The boom pivot failed

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The boom pivot pin appears to have failed - a closer look

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Some damage was done to the car, but it may have helped cushion the landing

Vertikal Comment

Incidents such as this are exceptionally rare when they do occur they are usually down to incorrect assembly, repair or lack of maintenance – we have no idea from the information that we have been sent what may have occurred in this instance.

One hopes that an investigation will quickly determine what caused this failure so that others may be warned.