24.03.2014

Platform lands on stadium roof - UPDATED

A platform being used by a cameraman at the Worcester Warriors Rugby Union Premier League clash with London Wasps came down onto the roof of one of the stands.

The game, which was held at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium on Friday night was televised live by BT Sport, when the platform of one of its truck mounted lifts came down onto the North stand. The camera man was unhurt, and damage slight, but the stand was evacuated as a precaution.
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The top boom jib crept down onto the stadium roof

The photograph that we have received is very faint, and shows what looks like a larger unit with long top jib, which looks as though it may have come down slowly due to an oil leak - internal or external. We are not certain which rental company owns the machine, and while the machine may look blue the photograph was taken under artificial lighting.

The home team lost 11-13

UPDATE

The following statement was received from Nationwide:

"On Friday 21st March, a Bronto S50 XDT-J truck mounted platform on hire from Nationwide Platforms experienced a sudden but slow uncontrolled descent of its upper boom (Jib arm) whilst on a filming application at the Sixways Stadium, Worcester."

"In its descent, the upper boom came to rest on the rear of the stadium roof and no one was injured as a consequence. The occupant of the basket was subsequently safely helped down from the platform."

"Nationwide Platforms can confirm the incident is currently under investigation
with the manufacturer, who, at this stage, believe the cause of the incident to be an isolated issue related to the hydraulic cylinder. It is anticipated that the precise cause will be identified and confirmed very soon, with the manufacturer set to release a full report in to the matter."

"Nationwide Platforms’ second S50 XDT unit was immediately stood down following the incident. It was subsequently inspected by the manufacturer and will be placed back in to service today."

Peter Douglas
UK Operations Director
Nationwide Platforms