02.08.2005

Driver escapes as crane topples

Firefighters were called to Pelton Fell, County Durham, yesterday, after a Terex Demag crane owned by GBK crane hire, working with 50 metres of main boom and a three tonne load toppled over and fell into undergrowth of a steep ravine.

Apparently the driver felt the crane begin to move and managed to jump clear, The HSE are investigating why it turned over, it seems that the bank collapsed under the cranes Outriggers.

The Environment Agency is concerned about fuel leakage it says the crane has 700litres of fuel on board. A spokesman said no fuel seemed to have leaked so far, but they were concerned about what would happen when the crane is moved.