26.09.2007

Vigil for crane driver

A vigil will be held this morning to mark the first anniversary of the Battersea (UK) crane collapse which claimed the lives of two men.

Crane driver Jonathan Cloke, 37, was thrown from the cab of the crane as it collapsed on the Barratt Homes building site on September 26 last year.

Michael Alexa, 23, was in the street when the crane came down on top of him, His family and friends will be holding a vigil this morning to remember the two men and to further the campaign to legislate on crane safety inspections.

Liliana Alexa secretary of the Battersea Crane Disaster Group (BCDG), said: We welcome recent Government initiatives to improve safety in the construction industry but we will judge these by results –crane collapses and the injuries and deaths they cause must end now.”

"On September 26 the community in Battersea will gather to remember the men who died. We will also be sending a clear message that our campaign will continue until crane deaths are stopped.

"We welcome recent Government initiatives to improve safety in the construction industry but we will judge these by results - crane collapses and the injuries and deaths they cause must end now."
A memorial service for the men has also been organised and will be held at 5.30pm near the site.