A Wollongong building was evacuated after a crane reportedly collapsed on Friday. A 60-metre tower crane carrying a load rotated approximately 180 degrees about 4.30pm. It had been positioned on Kenny Street, where it had been working on a building site.
According to police, the remote control operated crane was moving a load of metal beams, when it suddenly stopped and caused the load to hit the top of two nearby buildings.
Fire and Rescue NSW acting duty commander Andy Barber said it was believed a strong gust of wind hit, and the crane rotated out of control.
“It rotated with its load hanging down, and it impacted two buildings,” he said. “The load ended up suspended over Keira Street in high voltage power lines.”
Acting commander Barber said they evacuated one building with 40 to 50 people in it on Keira Street, and no one was injured. Keira Street was closed in both directions for a period of time.
Aside from the damage to the power lines, there was damage sustained to two other buildings, including roof damage and broken windows.
WorkCover are investigating the incident.
Source: Illawarra Mercury
