20.05.2007

Crane Disrupts Chicago

A 360 ton crane belonging to Imperial Crane of Chicago was just beginning a routine lift of an air conditioning unit onto a roof, in downtown Chicago on Saturday, when the outriggers on one side crashed through the tarmac. The Crane was rigged with a long jib but the main boom was retracted,

As the crane tipped backwards the boom, which was at its at full elevation -maximum angle, crashed into building behind, number 17 Wabash, causing extensive damage to the upper floors.
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Imperial Cranes stranded 360 toner on Saturday

The crane was working in a narrow street in ‘Jewelers Row’ and as is now clear, was working over a basement. No one was hurt in the accident.

Imperial immediately sent in another crane to rescue the first, but not only was it not up to the job, but a web sling being used to lift the crane snapped during the attempt.

A larger crane was called in which did manage to shift the stricken crane a little, but it too proved insufficient for the task. As we go to press a third and yet larger crane was attempting to extract the fallen crane from the hole.

Imperial Crane said that the City, which issued a permit allowing the road to be closed and the lift to go ahead, did not mention that the street was built over a void. Vice president Wes Austin is quoted in the local press as saying "Nobody told us the alley was vaulted, It is always a scary thing for a crane company.''

A spokesman for the city Office of Emergency Management and Communications, would confirm only that the company had the proper permit. Although a city employee on site is quoted as saying: “It was obvious from grills on the street that the roadway was vaulted underneath, it's up to a crane operator to determine if a crane is too heavy for the street”.

Not only has the street remained closed but several train lines were diverted to avoid the area.