07.01.2020

Luffing jib failure

The luffing jib of a crawler crane came down onto the steel framework of a new office block going up in Charlottesville, Virginia yesterday, injuring a construction worker on the upper floors of the building.

According to the emergency services the jib struck the man and he suffered a compound fracture to his leg but was responsive during the rescue - which was achieved by using a fire ladder - and is expected to make a full recovery.
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The jib came down onto the building

The crane, which appears to be a Manitowoc from the Buckner heavy lift fleet, remained perfectly stable, but it looks as though the jib pendant cables or retaining pins failed, allowing the jib to drop.
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The crane itself remained perfectly stable

Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the cause of the incident, while the city of Charlottesville has issued a stop work order on the construction project until a structural engineer evaluates and reports on the damage to the structure.