13.04.2014

Fatal boom truck overturn

Two men died on Saturday when a boom truck with platform overturned in Bourne, Massachusetts while installing new power lines.

The two men, John Loughran jr, 34, and Joseph Boyd, 34, employees of Mass Bay Electric, which also operates the boom truck, were working on a new high-tension power line currently being built by Nstar utility. The incident occurred on a sandy plot of land owned Cape Cod Aggregates.

We understand that the 43 metre boom on the Elliot 20142 was almost fully extended with the machine, working over the rear, when it overturned. According to local police, both men died on impact when the platform hit the ground.
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The overturned boom truck

So far there are no indications of what caused the overturn, all outriggers were fully extended, and one witness said that the ground where the machine was set up was firm. Reports on wind levels are contradictory, but wind may have played a role.

Loughran is a highly experienced linesman, from a family in the same business and was highly experienced. OSHA is investigating the incident.

UPDATE - See OSHA settles with Mass Bay