Crane Accidents

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The recent boom collapse in Manhattan, New York resulted in the death of Michael Simermeyer. Ironically, the same building inspector, Patrick McGarrigle, on site who failed to check a cable involved in the accident was also connected with an fatal crane accident in 2008.

“Big Blue” Crane Accident of 1999

07/14/99

BIG BLUE the tallest crane in the world (almost 600 feet) fell this afternoon at the sports stadium under construction in Milwaukee of the baseball stadium Miller Park at about 5:15 P.M. The 450 ton load coupled with 30 mile an hour winds caused the gigantic tower crane’s integrity to be compromised.

This accident is considered one of the largest crane accidents in history considering the loss of life, injury and cost of damage.

The names of the three workers who died in the tragedy:

Jerome W. Starr - Age 52, Wife, Ramona.

Jeffrey A. Wischer – Age 40, Wife Trish and 3 children

William DeGrave – Age 39, Wife Marjorie and 3 children

Big Blue Crane Collapse 1999 - Animation

Big Blue Crane Collapse 1999 (2)

Category: Accident Report, Famous, In Memory of

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2 Responses

  1. Kevin Warren says:

    God bless the families that IDIOT! Destroyed 30mph winds? They should have shut down when the operator trained to operate blue walked away! Everyone involved with that lift should have new jailed including the worker comp. Rep. That filmed the while thing! He could have and should have!!! As a former Ironworker/ OCC crane operator it makes me I’ll every time I see this film! RIP. GOD BLESS THERE FAMILIES.

  2. Kevin Warren says:

    Filmed the while thing worker comp rep could have and should have shut that whole mess down!! Sorry first comment was a mess? My prayers go out to the families of the 3 Ironsides.

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