Crane operator was missing when Minneapolis light-rail construction accident happened

The Metropolitan Council says there will be more of an emphasis on safety following a crane accident on a light-rail project last week.

Metropolitan Council

A crane operator allegedly left the cab with the machine still running, causing the accident on the $2 billion Southwest Light Rail Transit project in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood last week.

According to early investigation results, the crane operator was not in the cab when the incident occurred, and the boom closest to the cab broke. The crane, which was sitting between two townhome units, did not tip over and did not cause any property damage. Lunda-McCrossen, the joint venture constructing this portion of a 14.5-mile light-rail line from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, has removed the operator from the job.

After the mishap, Lunda-McCrossen went over safety guidelines and procedures with all of its operators on the project. The Metropolitan Council says there will be an increased safety emphasis, as well as a review and inspection of crane-related work activities in the corridor.

The cost of the project is $799.5 million and is scheduled to be complete in 2023.

Read more articles on light rail.