24.04.2008

Cranes block streets

A large lattice boomed crane working on Interstate 75 in south west Florida towards Naples, dropped its boom across the highway yesterday right in front of a car which is reported to have struck the boom but avoided serious impact or injuries. Both lanes were closed, amazingly for just two hours.
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Crews remove the fallen boom

The crane was one of a number of vintage cranes working on the road close to the Corkscrew road interchange. It is reportedly owned by the contractor iROX which is contracted for the $400 million widening of I-75. iROX is a joint venture between Anderson Columbia Co, Ajax Paving Industries, HDR Engineering and Metric Engineering.

In San Antonio Texas a telescopic truck crane tipped over as it tried to lift a massive steel sign. It seems the wind caught the sign which may have already been too heavy for the crane, causing it to drop the load and its boom into passing traffic. Once again road users escaped any serous injuries.
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The fallen crane and sign

The crane operator apparently climbed out of the crane cab, clambered over the debris and then ran down the street.

San Antonio police Sergeant, Ernest Celaya said: “The crane operator miscalculated the sign's weight. The sign pulled the crane to the ground, tipping it sideways. Neither the crane operator nor anyone else was hurt, but drivers had to swerve to avoid the mess”

The road was blocked for several hours as hazardous material crews were called because a ruptured tank spilled diesel across the street.