30.11.2006

Collision ejects man from platform

A local authority worker, hanging Christmas lights, in Randolph, Massachusetts, Raymond Van Tassel, 52, is fighting for his life today after being ejected from his truck mounted lift.

The knuckle of the boom was struck by a large passing articulated truck, tossing Van Tassel out of the cage. He appeared to be wearing a simple belt type harness with a lanyard that was at least 500mm too long.
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The truck mount from which Van Tassel fell

What is not certain is how, if he was wearing the harness, he came out of it falling six metres to the ground where he suffered head injuries?
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The belt type harness is clearly visible

Police simply say that they found Van Tassel lying in street, so at this stage it is not certain if he released the harness himself to avoid other injuries, or if the waist type harness failed?

The lift although damaged from the impact, remained upright and stable. Van Tassel is described as in serious condition suffering from severe head injuries.

The 56 year old truck driver from Quebec, was released after seven hours, and is unlikely to be charged. It seems that the knuckle of the articulating boom lift was protruding into the centre lane of the street which traffic was using.