July 21, 2008

Mobile-crane accident puts pedestrian in hospital

Calgary

A pedestrian crossing a Calgary street was struck by a large mobile crane and dragged about five metres.

The 34-year-old man was walking northbound across 80 Avenue near 36 Street SE in the morning of July 4 when a crane exited a parking and proceeded eastbound on 80th Avenue.

The pedestrian was struck by the crane, which knocked him under the front dual wheels and dragged him for about five metres before coming to a stop.

The Calgary Fire Department Heavy Rescue lifted the crane off the victim, which took about 30 minutes.

An initial attempt to use a second crane to lift the machine and free the victim failed because the second unit was not capable of handling the massive weight.

Rescuers then brought in special air bags that can lift 40 tonnes and the man was pulled out.

The man was transported to the Foothills Hospital in life threatening condition by Calgary EMS. He suffered critical injuries to his lower body and both legs.

The victim was upgraded to non-life threatening status after his condition stabilized.

The incident is being investigated by Calgary Police Traffic Section since it occurred on a public roadway and involved a motor vehicle.

Occupational Health and Safety personnel are assisting with the investigation.

JOC News Service

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