27.02.2007

Fatal crane collapse in St Petersburg

A large self erecting tower crane collapsed in St Petersburg, Russia this morning killing at least three people. The crane which according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations was unmanned at the time, fell onto a 12 storey apartment block smashing through the walls of the top four floors.
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The self erecting tower crane tipped over crashing into the appartments opposite

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The crane toppled over hitting the building opposite and loosing its jib

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The crane tipped suddenly

A 65 year old woman, an 18 month old child and an unidentified man were all killed while at least three others were injured. It is not clear if the crane was carry out a lift at the time.

Rescuers are searching for others that might be trapped in the debris. In the meantime residents have been evacuated as the crane caused extensive damage to the four upper storeys and has apparently caused structural damage in the 12 floor structure all the way do to the seventh floor.
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The Jib and top mast broke free

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The jib punched several holes in the appartments

The cause of the accident is unclear although the St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko, who inspected the site of the accident, is reported as having said: "The construction company was obviously at fault and will have to compensate the city for all expenditures,".

The crane, which was set up on rolling outriggers, clearly lost stability, hitting the building and loosing its jib and top mast.