Crane Collapse During Dismantling at High-Rise Site in Eastern China

30-Second Takeaway

A crane collapsed from the 22nd floor of a high-rise construction site in eastern China during dismantling operations, narrowly missing a worker on the ground. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, resulted in minor injuries but no fatalities. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether dismantling procedures, mechanical integrity, and regulatory compliance were properly followed, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in dense urban construction environments.

Incident Overview

A serious crane incident occurred this week at a high-rise construction site in eastern China, when a crane fell from the 22nd floor during dismantling operations.

Video footage shows the crane collapsing and debris scattering across the site, while a worker on the ground narrowly avoided being struck, escaping with only minor injuries. The footage has since circulated widely online, drawing attention to the risks associated with crane dismantling in densely populated urban areas.

No fatalities were reported.

Sequence of Events

According to local reports, the crane was in the process of being dismantled when a mechanical failure occurred. The failure caused the crane structure to lose stability and fall from height.

Authorities confirmed that a worker was present in the fall zone at the time of the collapse. The worker managed to flee the area moments before impact and was treated for minor injuries.

Investigation Underway

Local authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the precise cause of the collapse.

Early findings point toward possible:

• Lapses in dismantling procedures, or

• Mechanical instability during the dismantling phase

Officials stated that the investigation will closely examine safety checks, dismantling protocols, and regulatory compliance. The construction firm involved has not released a public statement as of publication.

Why This Incident Was Possible

Crane dismantling is one of the highest-risk phases of crane lifecycle operations. During dismantling:

• Structural components are progressively removed

• Load paths and stability conditions change rapidly

• Temporary support systems are relied upon

• Equipment may operate outside normal lifting configurations

In urban high-rise environments, limited space, tight schedules, and proximity to personnel further increase risk if exclusion zones and procedures are not strictly enforced.

Renewed Focus on Urban Crane Safety

The incident has renewed calls for stricter oversight of crane operations in China’s rapidly expanding urban construction sector. As high-rise development increases, regulators and contractors face growing pressure to ensure that dismantling protocols, inspection regimes, and workforce training keep pace with project scale and density.

Industry observers note that without consistent enforcement and adherence to established procedures, near-miss events like this risk becoming more frequent.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents to promote industry awareness and prevention. This article focuses on established safety practices and publicly reported information available at the time of publication.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Engineered Dismantling Plans

Crane dismantling should follow a detailed, engineered sequence that accounts for load redistribution, temporary supports, and stability at each stage.

Mechanical Inspection Before Disassembly

Critical components including bolts, pins, slewing mechanisms, and connection points—should be inspected immediately prior to dismantling, not only during routine maintenance cycles.

Strict Exclusion Zones

Clear, enforced exclusion zones beneath and around dismantling operations help ensure that no personnel are exposed to falling components or unexpected movement.

Qualified Dismantling Crews

Dismantling should be carried out only by trained, authorized crews with specific experience in crane erection and disassembly, not general site labor.

Active Supervision and Stop-Work Authority

A designated supervisor with stop-work authority should monitor dismantling operations in real time, particularly when working at height in urban environments.