Kirkland, Washington – Operator Injured After Crane Tips Over

Kirkland, Washington (November 25, 2019) – A crane operator suffered unknown injuries after the mobile crane he was in tipped over while working at the 5501 block of Lakeview Drive on Monday morning. The operator was airlifted to Haborview Medical Center in Seattle. There has been no further word regarding his condition. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

According to the report the incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. on Monday morning. A person called 911 and reported that the crane had tipped over, trapping its operator. Crews from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue Fire responded to the scene, along with Kirkland Police. The operator was extricated within an hour’s work. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Part of the road were closed due to the incident.

About Crush Injuries

Accidents that involve objects falling on the victim result in what is called “crush” injuries. According to the Arrive Alive website, crush injuries can occur in any car accident, falls or a situation where a structure is collapsing. Even minor crush injuries can involve a lot of pain and discomfort – such injuries include bruising, lacerations, and sprained ankles. Major crush injuries involve parts of the body below the skin, and usually involve blunt force. Major crush injuries include head fractures, facial trauma, severe lacerations and blunt force chest-and-abdominal trauma, among others. Additionally, because of the events which lead up to crush injuries, victims will often require extrication or some kind of rescue to get them out of the dangerous situation.

While it is true accidents can happen, we urge everyone to do their part to ensure safety in their surroundings. Avoid  areas with hazards such as rockfalls and construction sites if possible, and be cautious if it is necessary. For their part, construction crews should adhere to safety guidelines and make sure that any equipment they use will not become a hazard for anyone else. Make sure that your own home is able to withstand any kind of rough weather, particularly if it’s a mobile home. Ensuring our safety can also ensure the safety of others.

[cta]