Several workers at a construction site in the Illawarra region have had a near-miss after a crane fell onto the site during operations this morning.
As many as six workers evacuated the site at Kiama Downs just after 10 am this morning, as the boom of the crane collapsed over the length of the home under construction. The crane was lifting a pallet of materials at the time.
Emergency services personnel attended the scene shortly after the incident, although only one worker at the site was injured. The crane’s driver was treated for a fractured ankle, which he broke as he jumped from the cabin as it tipped over.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Nathan O’Brien explained that “any accident of this nature involving such a big machine is always very concerning for crews arriving on scene.”
“The patient should be counting his lucky stars that the crane didn’t topple completely over and cause more severe injuries.”
Witnesses, including another crane operator, believe the incident occurred due to erosion under the driveway at the site, which saw the ground give way under the weight of the crane. It is unlikely the crane will be removed today, with predicted wet weather likely to hamper efforts to right the equipment.
Both SafeWork NSW and union representatives are on site, and SafeWork is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.