19.10.2006

Tower crane jib collapses

The luffing jib of a tower crane on a site in central London, collapsed this morning, forcing contractor Sir Robert McAlpine to evacuate the site
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The Luffing tower crane with its tangled boom

The cause of the jib failure was apparently a collision with one of the six other cranes on the site. No one was injured in the collapse which happened at around 11 am on the New Street Square commercial development near Holborn.

Fortunately the crane had already placed its load before the incident occured. Initial reports say that the crane is owned by the contractor, McAlpines.

The jib was left hanging precariously from the cranes superstructure. This afternoon the Fire brigade was assiting with the removal of the crane before the site could be reopened.