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Operator injured as jib parts from mast on Stuttgart football stadium refurb site

A tower crane jib has become detached from the mast at the Mercedes Benz stadium in Stuttgart. The project involves conversion of the historic 1933 40,000 seat mutipurpose stadium to a 60,000 seat football stadium.

The operator freed himself from the wreckage and was taken to hospital with numerous broken ribs, bruising and abrasions.

 The cause of the accident is unclear. Investigators are reported to have commented that they are looking at either “sloppy erection” or component fatigue. The authorities have not released any official information.

The photographs suggest that the jib and mast separated in the area of the slew ring causing the jib and counterweight to collapse onto the pitch.

Video footage of the scene of the collapse and commentary (in German) is available on Youtube.

This article was posted on 23rd February 2011 in ALL LATEST NEWS, CRANES TOWER, INCIDENTS.
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