Crane operator Christopher Graham, 39, was seriously injured when his crane flipped over backwards down an embankment in Brick, South East New Jersey on Saturday.
The crane, a five axle All Terrain, was working on a new overpass on the side of the Garden State Parkway when it went over backwards and down the wooded embankment throwing the operator clear. He was airlifted to hospital and was said to be in a stable condition, with leg and head injuries.
The crane appears to have lost the right rear outrigger beam which in combination with a sinking front outrigger might have been the cause. An investigation is ongoing.
Seat belt would have saved operator.Out riggers often overlooked during inspection.Very critical since one beam can be carrying entire weight of crane and load…not much holding them in box…just a tiny hydraulic cylinder.GMk has safety lock pins on all beams.Hope he heals up quick.Shalom