28.12.2007

Tower crane collapse in Saigon

A 45 metre tower crane working on the half-built Centec Tower Building in district one of Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) came crashing down yesterday while it was being climbed. Six people were injured and six motorcycles were crushed.
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The fallen jib

According to a statement from the main contractor Cofico, “The crane ‘broke off’ while workers employed by a subcontractor – Vinamax - were raising the cranes height in order to convey construction materials to upper floors.”

Two those injured, including the crane operator whose hand was severed, were taken to Cho Ray Hospital.
Witnesses said that they heard a “huge crack and then the crane came tumbling over.”

The owner of the 22 storey building is Sao Phuong Nam Corporation.
Construction was suspended while police investigate the accident. According to the Vietnam News Agency the crane, which was erected a year ago was subject to a full inspection just two months ago.