11.09.2008

Auckland tower crane accident

Several readers from New Zealand have asked why we have not reported on the crane accident that occurred earlier this week. The truth is, that while most of you have sent us local news reports, we have been unable to dig out any further facts.

At present we believe that the accident occurred by a tower crane was being erected in the Parnell district of Auckland, when something went wrong. One of two men up the tower was injured but was able to return to the ground while the other was trapped some 10 metres up the tower by his feet.

He spent 40 minutes waiting as rescuers who had to secure the site before working out how to free him. Colleagues had climbed the tower to the man's aid and stood underneath him to support his weight while they waited.

The crane is apparently one of two on site, the one involved in the accident is owned by Dominion Constructors while the other by New Zealand Crane. As far as we know the NZ Crane might be a mobile being used to erect the tower crane? NZ rent both mobiles and towers.

According to the emergency services the man and one assumes his colleagues, had freed his feet but could not get down due to his injuries. Firefighters used an aerial lift/ladder to take medics up to the man and they then lifted him into the platform to take him to the ground.

That is all we know, the companies invloved do not wish to comment at this stage. If anyone has any photos or knows what type of crane and what went wrong with the erection procedure to cause this, please let us know.