01.09.2008

Crane drops the bath

A crane has demolished a new house in Miranda, Sydney after it toppled over earlier today, while lifting a large whirlpool bath into place.

Graham and Jacqueline Leech who own the house, were standing on their back deck guiding the crane driver as he lowered the tub into the bathroom when it suddenly veered to the right away from its resting place.
Please register to see all images

The fallen crane in Miranda, Sydney

Mr Leech said: "We heard over the radio, 'Stop stop stop! then suddenly there was a boom. The spa hit the railing then the whole thing just tumbled over."

The couple had nearly finished renovating the two bedroom waterfront home, but it looks like it is back to the start. “I doubt any of the house is salvageable,” added Leech.

The crane also took down the street’s power lines leaving the area without power, Stephensons Cranes, the crane’s owner is bringing in two more cranes to salvage the fallen one, a four axle truck crane. It looks as though the front outrigger beam on the side of the lift, was not fully extended, although it is possible that it retracted after the accident.

The crane operator sustained minor injuries with cuts to his hand, WorkCover is investigating the cause of accident. Stephensons Cranes is based in Arndale Park and operates a fleet of around 15 cranes. All of its operators are fully trained and certified.