07.04.2016

Fatal load drop in Illinois

A crane dropped a 45 tonne steel beam on to two boom lifts at a job site in Des Plaines, Illinois, on Tuesday killing one and injuring three.
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The scene on Tuesday night

The beam, part of an Interstate 90 overpass, was being moved by a number of large telescopic cranes, when it seems a sling gave way, allowing the beam to drop on to those working below. The falling beam struck two boom lifts that were assisting with the manoeuvre, killing Vincente Santoyo, 47, in the process. Three other men were injured in the incident.
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The falling beam caught the platforms of two boom lifts

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One of the boom lifts was caught particularly badly in the incident causing it to overturn

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident and an inspector has already confirmed that a failed strap or chain appears to have been the cause. The crane owned by La Grange appears to have been unaffected.
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The crane was reportedly not affected by the incident which seems to be down to a rigging issue