18.06.2007

Driver killed as crane leaves road

A crane driver was killed on Saturday when his mobile crane overturned at the foot of Brindley Mountain, Alabama trapping him for more than one and a half hours. The driver, Justin “Curtis” Self died on the way to hospital.

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Rescuers removing debris from the underside of the crane so that it could be moved on Sunday

The crane – believed to be a 40 tonne Grove truck crane – belonged to Decatur-based Solley Crane Service. Owner Ray Solley was at the scene of the accident and said that the police thought speed might have been a factor in the crane hitting the crash barriers on the northbound highway 231 before leaving the road.

The cab is thought to have separated from the crane before rolling down an embankment and finishing upside down.

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Ray Solley owner of Solley Crane Service, watches as crew work to remove wreckage from the roadway at the scene of Saturday’s accident that killed Solley’s employee

Attempts to free Self were thwarted until the crane and cab were in a safe, stable condition.

“Justin was a very good man,” Solley said. “He was a loyal employee, and we enjoyed having him work for us.”

Self had worked for the company for eight years.