17.10.2014
Crane jib collapse
The luffing jib of a 500 tonne crane came down in Newcastle, UK, today after a cable apparently failed.
The jib was being lowered when something gave way causing the jib to break free and drop onto the car park. Local reports suggest a cable failure caused the incident, which injured one of the men working with the crane. Some reports claim that the injured man was the operator, although we have not been able to confirm this.
The crane is reportedly a 500 tonne Liebherr owned and operated by Baldwins Crane Hire and was working for Wates Living Space on an affordable homes project for Your Homes Newcastle.
We will update this article as and when we receive more information.
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The scene earlier today
Warwick n/a
Looks like the luffing winch cables missing, this could also explain the injured operator as it would have likely fallen on or near the cab.