13.04.2018

Ladder platform failure

A fire ladder platform developed a fault, dropping the platform onto the roof of the building that was on fire in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday night.

The Pierce ladder platform is a 2005 model and was brought in as a temporary replacement while another ladder platform was being repaired. From what we have been told it seems that the lift cylinders gave way, dropping the platform, with on one firefighter on board on to the roof. A crane was called in to help remove the platform from the building, and the machine was able to retract and stow its ladder before driving back to base.
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The ladder structure managed to hold together

Fortunately the ladder/boom structure which is not designed to handle any forces to the underside, remained intact and the firefighter was not harmed. An investigation into what happened is underway.