18.07.2008

2,500 tonner in fatal accident

A VersaCrane TC36000 owned by Deep South Crane and Rigging of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has collapsed today at LyondellBasell's Houston Refinery.

The crane, believed to be the largest operating in the USA, was not lifting at the time and had completed a 400 ton test lift only yesterday.
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The fallen crane

News footage shows that the crane’s superstructure parted with its cruciform outrigger base at the slew bearing. The boom and back mast, which appear to have gone over the back, then came down on another large lattice crawler crane, which was most likely the support crane used to erect the TC36000.

The boom also clipped the side of a marquee which was set up on the site for contractors staff to use as a canteen.
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The boom clipped the edge of the lunch tent

The crane’s engine was still running after the accident, but no work or testing was scheduled for it today. The crane has been on site for some time, as it was erected and prepared for the removal of large drums from inside a coking unit.
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The TC3600' boom and back mast came down on a smaller crawler crane

The refinery has said that four contractor’s staff were killed in the accident and six others injured. Of the injured, three were treated on site, two were airlifted to hospital while another was transported to hospital by ambulance.
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The hook block created a major crater

The refinery was unable to confirm which company the dead and injured worked for, but given that most of the casualties occured around the two cranes, it is likely that they will be from the crane company.

Deep South both built and rented the VersaCrane which has been designed specifically for this type of work. The company has an exemplary safety record and immediately released the following statement earlier today:

“We have experienced a significant accident involving Deep South Crane employees and equipment at the LyondellBasell’s Houston Refining facility in Houston, Texas. We have few details at this time.”

“Our primary concern now is the identification of injured employees and the notification of families. We are taking every measure to ensure that the injured employees receive the best possible medical attention. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employees and their loved ones.”

“At this point, we have few details on what actually happened and we are trying to gather information. We will use this information to conduct an investigation to determine the root cause, correct it and ensure that this type of tragedy does not occur again.”

“We will cooperate fully with all investigations that may arise from this tragic incident. We will provide information as we gather and verify it. In the meantime, we ask for you prayers and patience in this difficult time.”

To see news video footage Click here