Cranes Collide in Austin, 16 People Injured [Update]

*UPDATE* – A total of 22 people were injured in yesterday’s incident. At least 16 of those victims were transported to the hospital. All of their injuries were not life-threatening.

A spokesperson for ATCEMS, Captain Darren Noak state they were able to confirm there had been no structural collapse. He described the scene as a “crane vs. crane incident.”

Prior reports of efforts to rescue a crane operator were apparently false, according to Noak. He confirmed the agency had posted that comment, however, that was not the case.

The collision of cranes is still under investigation. It has been reported, all those who were injured – worked at the construction site. A total of eight ambulances responded to the accident.

– Further information will be given upon its release.

Emergency crews in Austin, Texas are scrambling to the scene of two cranes crashing. News of this event hit media outlets around 11:38 a.m. (E.S.T) on Sept. 16, 2020. According to the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS), at least 22 people were injured due to the collision.

2 Cranes Collide, 16 People Injured

Rescue teams are working hard to retrieve one of the crane operators, who is reported to be uninjured. At least 16 people have been transported to the hospital for their injuries. According to CNN, there are at least six ambulances at the scene.

Two EMS command units have responded to the incident as well. The two cranes collided in the Mueller community located in Northeast Austin. In the vicinity, there is a park, shopping center, children’s hospital, and an apartment complex in the area.

Rescuer’s Work to Save Crane Operator After the Cranes Collided

At this time officials are saying the area is not secure. Civilians and bystanders are being moved from the area. The crane collision was captured on video and posted by the local TV station KVUE. In the video, the two cranes are seen entangled together — several stories in the air. Construction has been underway since the neighborhood began to grow.

According to the local Fire Department, Captain Mark Bridge has ensured the public the operator is safe. “He’s fine,” Bridge stated as he described the man safe from “danger.” He also emphasized that the man was not in any peril, as the crane was safe from collapsing whilst he is trapped.

Currently, rescue workers are cooperating with crane specialists to get the man down. At this time there has not been a timeline given for when they will be able to safely extract him. First responders are currently sifting through debris.

Authorities believe this investigation may take some time to conduct. For the time being, they would appreciate it if people would stay away from the area.

Written by Sheena Robertson

Sources:

USA TODAY: Two cranes collide at Austin construction site, sending at least 16 people to the hospital; Kelsey Bradshaw

FOX: Operator still in crane following crane collision that injured 22; Fox 7 Austin

CNN: At least 22 injured after cranes collide in Austin, Texas, officials say; Melissa Alonso

Featured Image Courtesy of Karen Mardahl’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License