07.04.2008

Blaze affects crane

A 45 metre exclusion zone has been put up around a tower crane affected by a blaze in Edinburgh this Saturday. The crane was working on a five-storey block, containing 82 flats, near Easter Road stadium.

Around 100 residents from around 50 neighboring properties were evacuated while the crane and scaffolding on the building were checked today.
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The crane during Saturday's fire

The crane, a Liebherr 78EC saddle jib model owned by Kier Plant was being checked for structural damage by factory engineers, first indications are that some of the tower sections and possibly some jib sections will need to be replaced.

The crane is set up in the lift shaft of the seven storey building.

Evacuated residents are only being allowed into their homes accompanied by police officers, to pick up essential belongings.

An investigation into the fire has been launched.