24.03.2017

Crane overturn in Texas

A large All Terrain crane overturned last night in Corpus Christi, Texas, while lifting an Air conditioning unit on to the roof of a Wal-Mart store.

According to police reports the crane sank into the asphalt of the car park causing it to tip, with the counterweight coming to rest on the ground, stopping it going over completely. The operator jumped from the cab, sustaining injuries as he did so. The store which was open at the time was evacuated and was to remain closed until the crane is recovered.
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The overturned crane - damage looks to be minimal

Police investigators said they were confused about the incident because the crane tipped in opposite direction of the wind! Clearly the investigators know little about cranes. It looks as though the crane was short rigged and with the retracted boom fully elevated, and swingaway installed the operator slewed over the side and the weight of the large counterweight over the partially extended outriggers caused the jacks to sink and the unit, already very back heavy, went over.

It could have been much worse and damage looks minimal.