Crane overturns at construction site; operator leaves scene

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
A crane operator took an unexpected spill Thursday while at a construction site on the Livingstone College campus.
The operator, who was only identified as Jose, was lifting a boom to collect drywall when the uneven ground led to the crane turning over onto its side.
“He was taking excess drywall to be dumped for trash,” said Philip McCasland, owner of Reaves Drywall in High Point.
Work was being done on the college’s new multi-story residence hall at the corner of Monroe and Partee streets.
McCasland said the operator was not injured, but was afraid to stick around and left the site. No further explanation was given.
The arm of the crane swept a powerline overhead, but did not knock down any lines.
McCasland added that the accident was not a big deal. Also that in his line of work a crane crashing onto its side has happened plenty of times.
“I’ve seen my share over the years,” he said.
The Salisbury Fire Department responded to “protect the area from any potential hydraulic fuel leaks,” said Battalion Chief Bo Geter.
A wrecker company was called to right the crane, Geter said.