14.03.2007

Port crane topples

Witnesses report a” thundering crack that shook vehicles in adjoining streets and rattled telephone poles” before a 120 tonne capacity Clyde crane toppled over backwards into a dry dock, killing its operator.

Eye witness reports say that the 40-metre crane at Port Weller Dry Docks, swayed back and forth for a few moments in heavy winds before collapsing backwards into two concrete dry dock bays.
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The crane was completely destroyed

The operators cab was crushed on the wall dividing the two bays. The operator, a longtime dry docks worker was dead by the time rescuers managed to find him.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour is investigating the cause of the accident, which completely demolished the travelling jib crane. Four men are usually assigned to the crane during a lift - two in the cab and two on the ground. Police said only one person was operating the crane Tuesday.

The shipbuilding and repair yard was recently purchased by the Upper Lakes Group, which planned to restore operations at the year which closed last November after going into bankruptcy under former owners Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering.
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Taken last year, the Clyde crane is the one on the left

John Dewar, spokesman for Great Lakes Marine and Industrial, an arm of Upper Lakes Group, said that a cleanup was taking place at the 60-year-old shipyard, under a third-party monitor, RMS Richter Inc., a Toronto bankruptcy trustee, as part of the sale of the company.

Dewar said the crane involved in the accident was recently inspected and certified as safe to use. He also said that the crane, which was insured, is a vital piece of equipment for the company and the damage will set back plans to restore operations at the shipyard.

The crane which can handle 120 tons at 30 metres radius, was moving a large steel slab at the time of the accident.