28.07.2005

Crane driver dies after jump from cab

A crane driver died on Monday when his CKD mobile crane turned over while working on a bridge in the Kramare district of Bratislava in Slovakia. The driver jumped from his cab, but was then crushed against the bridges guardrails as it tipped.
Please register to see all images

The crane came to rest on the guardrails

Police closed the bridge and have not given any explanations of what caused it to overturn.
Please register to see all images

The crane was working on construction alongside the bridge

Vertikal Comment:

Thankfully the number of cranes overturning is falling, albeit slowly. Modern overload indicators and a sensible attitude to outrigger loadings should virtually eliminate overturning.
When a crane does start to tip is the driver better off staying in his cab or jumping? Each case is different of course, depending on which way the crane tips, this accident suggest that if tipping on the cab side if the crane, staying put is likely to be the best bet.