Two workers died and at least four others were injured on Thursday morning after two mobile cranes collapsed in the northern port of Gijón, Asturias. The tragic incident occurred at the Molliner dock at approximately 11:00 am local during work to dismantle a level luffing crane operated by Ership Alvargonzález.
According to Firefighting Division for the Gijón/Xixón region, the accident involved two mobile cranes being used to dismantle the level luffing crane. From pictures and videos from the site it appears the workers were lifting the upper section of the crane above the slewing ring off the rail-mounted crane portal when the mobile cranes overturned and the load collapsed.
The two workers who lost their lives were aged 24 and 49 and were employed by Montajes Astur Manzana, the company responsible for the dismantling project. The company was contracted by Ership Group to dismantle the cranes, which were out of use in the port of Gijón. The four injured workers included two who were seriously hurt and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crane collapse, while emergency services and local officials are continuing their response efforts.