26.09.2016

Three crane erectors injured

Three men were injured when a tower crane’s luffing jib dropped as they were in the process of removing it, having just started to dismantle the crane.

The incident occurred on the 30 storey Meriton apartment building under construction on Arthur Street, North Sydney. The three men were working on the luffing jib and had, we understand, hooked it up to another crane when something went wrong and the jib dropped onto the building. The three aged 24, 27 and 36 were all left dangling from their harnesses, although the youngest one, Axel Tritton, managed to scramble back up the jib onto the building to assist with the rescue.
Please register to see all images

The scene yesterday following the rescue

A man basket attached to the other crane was used to rescue the two men - Shane Hetaraka and Corey Briggs - and lower them to the ground. They were both badly injured, with the 27 year old reported to be in serious condition last night, suffering from chest, spinal and pelvic injuries and a fractured upper arm. The other two men have non-life-threatening injuries with the youngest escaping with minor cuts and scrapes. SafeWork New South Wales is investigating the incident.

The crane belongs to the Titan Crane & Rigging, which has now issued a statement as follows: “Titan Cranes prides itself on our strict safety, first aid and training policies, and believe with the quick thinking of our two crane crews on site as well as their training in rescue procedures and appropriate PPE, this has aided in this incident not being more serious. The two men are recovering well and in good spirits. We are fully co-operating with Safe Work NSW, to investigate the incident further.”
Please register to see all images

The jib just dropped and landed against the building