20.02.2015

Lucky escape for one

Two men were thrown from the platforms of the boom lifts they were working from, when an old bridge crane collapsed in Superior, Wisconsin, Yesterday.

The two men, both demolition workers, were up around 23 metres preparing stress points on the crane to ensure it collapsed properly when it was demolished on Sunday. The crane has moved material at the Graymont Lime plant for around 102 years.

They had just cut through one of the wiring conduits, when the crane collapsed striking the two platforms, one was wearing a harness and lanyard and was left dangling from the boom, he was rescued by the emergency services.
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The scene after the man had been rescued

The other is said to have fallen or somehow made it to the ground unharmed, both were conscious and walking around, but were taken to hospital for checks.

Vertikal Comment

It is interesting that one man was unhurt due to precautions and good working practice, the other is mystery, and either he managed to ride the crane down, or was saved by falling into a soft pile of sand/lime? There must be more to it? Either way he had a very very lucky escape.

What is certain is that this could have been so much worse.