Bigge statement on Dallas crane collapse

Crane rental and sales company Bigge Crane & Rigging said “extreme local wind conditions” caused one of its cranes to collapse.

The tower crane went down on 9 June 2019 during a storm in Dallas, TX, killing one person and injuring others. Crane owner Bigge is one of the largest and longest-established companies in the industry worldwide. It leased the crane to Greystar Development and Construction, L.P. – Gabriella Tower Contractor Series (Greystar) in April. A second tower crane on site had already completed its work and been dismantled and returned to Bigge.

The Bigge statement described the event as follows:

“When the storm and extremely high winds occurred, the tower crane was not in use and was not being manned at the time of the accident. It is our understanding that the operator has said that when he completed his work the prior day, the crane was placed in the appropriate out-of-service mode per the crane manufacturers requirements.

“We believe that extreme local wind conditions caused this crane accident, but what matters most now is that OSHA and independent investigations continue and lead to their official findings. Safety is our number one core value, and we manage our company consistent with industry best practices in safety and training. In the coming months, we will continue to co-operate with all parties and provide any and all assistance possible.”