30.08.2006

Exploding crane boom

Two men working on the final touches to a new container crane on Changxing Island, Shanghai, were killed yesterday when one of the cranes boom arms exploded.
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The explosion ripped open the massive structure

The explosion happened near a dock outside the factory of container crane manufacturer, Xinghe Machinery Production Company. The two victims were checking welds on the crane when the boom section was ripped apart. There were no flames or fire.

It seems that air trapped inside the massive element, heated by the morning sun, possibly mixing with fumes from residual film of oil or paint, suddenly exploded, ripping open the massive sheet steel.

Police are still investigating, but appear to have ruled out any sabotage or involvement of a third party.