26.05.2014

A close call

A self-erecting tower crane was saved from overturning by nearby trees and an observant member of the public on Thursday last week in the German town of Weinheim to the north east of Mannheim.
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The leaning crane resting on the trees

According to reports the concrete slab the crane was sitting on gave way causing the crane to start to go over, but the jib came to rest in the trees giving the emergency services time to arrive stabilise the crane and safely stow it. Although it took around 30 men and 10 rescue vehicles, including a ladder platform and an All Terrain crane.
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The well equipped local fire depart arrives with its own crane

A similar incident occurred in Emsbüren, Lower Saxony when a self-erecting tower crane began to sink in saturated ground, the emergency services were called, but in the end the crane's owner was able to retract and stow it before it reached a critical angle. Three nearby homes were evacuated in the meantime.