22.11.2007

Tower crane jib crushes car

A 100 ton crane from Maxim Cranes erecting a tower crane at Monarch Construction's site of a new School for Creative and Performing Arts along Central Parkway between Race and Elm streets in Cincinnati, toppled over whilst lifting part of the jib.

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Fortunately no-one was injured as the tower crane's jib fell

No-one was hurt although the jib crushed a 4x4 vehicle and caused minor damage.

The mobile crane tipped over and lay on its side on the north side of the site adjoining Washington Park, with a large section of the tower crane still attached.

Workers said two cranes were on site - the larger - possibly a 250 ton unit - was being used to erect the crane earlier in the week.

Dennis Slessman, OSHA's assistant area director, said he was not sure if the use of the smaller crane contributed to the accident.

"It's very early in that phase of the investigation to determine the cause before drawing any conclusions," he said.

Slessman said he was not aware that there had been a larger crane at the site earlier in the week doing the same task of building the tower crane.

"We have an investigator on the scene," he said. "He is interviewing the crane operator and other witnesses."