A serious accident occurred on March 12 in Hiroshima’s Hijiyama Park when a crane truck, engaged in tree-cutting operations, toppled over. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused significant damage, including fallen power lines, property destruction, and temporary power outages in the area.
The crane was finally restored to its original position by 3:30 PM on March 13. According to Hiroshima city officials, the accident happened when the crane extended its boom to approximately 40 meters but failed to support the weight of the cut tree, causing it to lose balance and tip over.
The impact was severe. The crane’s arm struck power lines, knocking down a utility pole, which in turn damaged the roofs and walls of two nearby houses and a parked car. One household was even temporarily relocated to a hotel arranged by the contractor due to safety concerns.
Local residents expressed their concerns. An 80-year-old man observing the recovery efforts stated, “Safety must always come first. I hope they take precautions in the future.” Another nearby resident in his 70s added, “It’s a relief that no one was underneath. But something like this should never happen.”
Hiroshima city authorities have pledged to reinforce safety management and prevent similar incidents. However, this accident raises important questions:
- Were proper weight and stability calculations performed before the operation?
- Was the ground stability adequately assessed?
- What new safety measures will be introduced to prevent future crane collapses?
“Safety first” is a phrase often used in the industry, but in real-world operations, even a minor miscalculation can lead to catastrophic accidents. This incident highlights the need for stricter safety monitoring, mandatory ground assessments, and enhanced industry regulations to prevent such mishaps from happening again.
What are your thoughts on crane operation safety? Have you encountered similar safety concerns in construction or industrial settings? Let’s discuss!
