Three men have died on the site of a new bridge being built in Germany after the man basket they were riding, detached from the tower crane that was lifting it, falling 70 metres to the ground below.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Neckertal Bridge site near Horb am Neckar south of Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg. According to the local fire department and police, if there had been any chance of survival it took too long for them to reach the men, all aged between 40 and 46, leaving them to simply confirm their death.
Initial findings indicate that a wire rope had snapped, causing the basket to fall, whether this was a hoist rope or a sling has not been disclosed. The police have said though that thei initial findings confirm that the basket was not overloaded, they have also suggested that safety and regulatory requirements were being followed.
The police and the Rottweil Public Prosecutor's Office have launched an investigation into the incident and are being assisted by an 'expert'.
The mayor of Horb, Peter Rosenberger visited the site and issued a statement saying: "This is one of the most serious industrial accidents ever to occur at a road construction site in this state. The tragedy of today's event is hard to comprehend. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the victims.
The 90 metre high, 2,100 metre long bridge is part will carry traffic on Federal Highway 32 over the Neckar Valley. Bypassing Horb town centre. It is due to open to traffic in 2028.
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