State safety inspectors are examining the possibility of missing connector pins as the primary cause of a tragic construction crane collapse in Seattle, April 27,2019.
State safety inspectors are examining the possibility of missing connector pins as the primary cause of a construction crane accident in downtown Seattle that left four people dead Saturday afternoon, sources close to the investigation said Monday.
The 3:30 p.m. accident near the corner of Fairview Avenue and Mercer Street occurred during gusty winds as the giant crane was being disassembled. Witnesses said multiple sections of the structure came loose and plunged to the street, crushing several cars. Two people in cars died along with two ironworkers who were working on the crane.
State Labor and Industries inspectors are focused on sequence of events leading to the accident, specifically: when were the crane arm connector pins removed, and when was the disassembly crane attached? According to the engineers and crews who assemble large building cranes seen all over Seattle, an assembly crane is used for the build up and eventual take down of large construction cranes.
