A CRANE DERAILED.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1921, Page 4

A CRANE DERAILED.

ACCIDENT AT MOTUROA. DRIVER SUSTAINS INJURIES As the result of the overturning of a big crane an employee of the New Plymouth Harbor Board, C. Bartholomew, waa admitted to the public hospital on Saturday morning suffering from scalding, in addition to cuts and bruises. Details of the mishap indicate that Bartholomew had a very fortunate escape from much more serious injuries In the course of preparatory operations for the quarrying of Paritutu stone the crane, which weighs about 40 tons, was being taken up the tramline to the quarry face, under its own power, by means of a wire rope, and in addition to Bartholomew, who was on the crane, there were a number of other men assisting in the operations. A good part of the incline had been negotiated when, without warning, the massive machine toppled over an embankment of eight to ten feet. The driver luckily escaped entanglement with the machinery, but sustained some scalds from steam which issued from a pipe leading, from the boiler to the engine, and which had become emashed. He also received a number of cuts as the result of contact with the ironwork, but was able to make his way back on to the line. He wai subsequently admitted to hospital when his injuries were attended to, and three stitches were inserted in a wound on the head. He will remain a few days in hospital. The accident occurred at a point where a filling had been made in connection with the formation of the track for the rails. The weight of the crane caused a depression on the outer rail, and the machine slid over. A number of castings were broken by the fall and inspection reveals other damages necessitating some repair work. The crane, which w’as recently purchased from Westport by the board, is a rather bulky affair, and dismantling will probably be necessary before it can be removed from the hollow in which it lies. Other cranes will be available, however, for th< quarry work, and the mishap should not materially delay these operations.