Close crane call

A construction worker escaped with minor leg injuries on Friday, August 7 after a crane collapsed at a Southbank construction site.

Paramedics raced to the Crema Constructions site at the corner of Kavanagh and Balston streets shortly before 4pm, following reports of an incident involving a crane and falling concrete.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) was reported as saying that the crane was in the process of jacking up when a hydraulic support gave way, collapsing in on itself and onto the lift shaft inside the building.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria confirmed that it had treated one person at the scene for minor leg injuries, but that no one was taken to hospital.

The incident caused major traffic delays along CityLink’s Kings Way inbound exit, the Burnley Tunnel entry ramps and throughout Southbank following the incident, after WorkSafe established an exclusion zone around the site.

According to a CityLink spokesperson, it was still unknown when the Kings Way exit and Burnley Tunnel entry ramps would be reopened to traffic.

However, the sections of Balston and Kavanagh streets in Southbank surrounding the site would remain closed until further notice while the crane was dismantled, according to WorkSafe.

WorkSafe’s executive director of health and safety Marnie Williams said it would continue to investigate the incident.  

“WorkSafe continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crane collapse at Southbank,” she said.

“Officers were on site over the weekend following the incident and we continue to hold discussions with the builder, engineers and employee representatives to ensure the site is safe.”

“The builder must demonstrate to WorkSafe that plans to remove the crane are appropriate before work can begin.”

Ms Williams said, while the traffic delays weren’t ideal, drivers had to remain patient while the site was secured.

“We will advise the police and VicRoads when it is safe to open the roads,” she said.

“While the disruption to traffic is unfortunate, the safety of workers and the public are our number one priority.”

Developed by Golden Sunrise Developments, the Southbank site is the future home of the dual-tower apartment complex Marco Melbourne, which will comprise a 32 and a 37-storey tower.

The development’s builder Crema Constructions declined to comment when contacted by Southbank Local News.