An investigation has been launched into the collapse of a crane at a Carrickfergus construction site.
The machine, being used in an upgrade of drainage infrastructure in the Joymount/Scotch Quarter area of the town, toppled onto a neighbouring supermarket after the ground beneath it apparently gave way, on Wednesday 19 August. No injuries occurred in the incident, although the Woodside store sustained internal and external damage. The crane remained balanced in its precarious position until Friday, when it was dismantled and taken away.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI) have asked to be kept informed of developments, and an inquiry is currently being carried out by Graham Construction, the contractor carrying out the work on behalf of Northern Ireland Water (NIW). A spokesperson for Graham's said, "We confirm that there was an incident where a crane tilted sideways from its working platform when the ground below it gave way on a site in Carrickfergus. There were no injuries arising from the incident and we are co-operating with the relevant authorities as they and we investigate the cause. Until these investigations are complete we are unable to make any further comment."
NIW commented, "Although site safety is the responsibility of the contractor, we will ensure that all actions arising from the investigation will be adhered to on our sites."
