24.03.2008

Fatal crane boom accident

A man working on a crane boom in Amsterdam, Montgomery County in New York State died on Saturday after he was crushed under the boom after it came down on him.

Matthew J. Hentnik, 41, who worked for Eric J. Pareene Trucking & Excavating was working on the crane at the company’s premises with a friend, when the boom is reported to have buckled and crashed down on him.

Hetnik was pinned under the boom while his friend was unhurt, others on site at the time were able to raise the boom and release Hentnik. He was then rushed to hospital but died shortly after arrival.

The local sheriff carried out an immediate investigation and thanks to the number of witnesses quickly concluded that there was no fault.

Our investigation concluded that it was an unfortunate accident and one of those things that can happen when working with heavy equipment," he said: "It's fairly cut and dry what happened, according to witnesses."