Steel crane mats are extremely important so major construction disasters are avoided. Without these protective ground mats, dangerous accidents could occur much more often than they already do.
In New York City, a giant construction crane actually fell on a bridge causing major damage but, luckily, avoiding any fatalities.
According to CBS New York, a giant 256-foot tall brad new construction crane collapsed onto the 62-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge.
“A very loud rumble,” said Michael Simboli of Grand View who witnessed the collapse, “it was almost earthquake-like.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo and other city officials could not believe the disaster wasn’t much worse and called the situation “miraculous.”
Not one vehicle was hit by any piece of falling steel or the crane itself. The only subsequent injures came when two vehicles crashed trying to avoid the crane and three people suffered” very minor injuries,” said Cuomo.
“We were very, very fortunate that the situation wasn’t worse,” Cuomo added. The crane weights more than 121,000 pounds.
Travelers on the Tappan Zee Bridge were terrified as the giant machine collapsed toward them, but aside from the three minor injuries, everyone was happy they were unharmed.
“It could have been completely different,” said Michael Armbruster. Ambruster was on the phone with his partner, Arana, who was traveling on the bridge and was nearly hit. “I’m like, ‘Are you OK?'” Armbruster added, “and he says, ‘I just missed it. The construction almost hit me.'”
Construction on the bridge has already been going on for three years as part of a $3.9 billion project. It was expected to be completed by 2018.
Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the collapse. Steel crane mats are a great way to provide efficient and safe traction for any industrial construction machine like a giant steel crane.
Terry Towle, Tappan Zee Constructors President believes that it has to be one of three causes. “Obviously, it’s one of three issues, right?” Asked Towle. “It’s a problem with the crane, it’s a problem with the hammer, or it’s operator error.”
If your company is working with giant construction cranes, take a look at steel crane mats to ensure protection.
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