Zoomlion Mobile Crane Suffers Boom Failure During Lift

30-Second Takeaway

A Zoomlion mobile crane suffered a serious boom failure while lifting a large column, with the boom bending and snapping near the heel pin area. Limited information is available regarding the incident, including the crane’s configuration, operating conditions, and location. While the exact cause has not been confirmed, the event highlights the critical importance of structural integrity, lift planning, and inspection practices during heavy lifting operations.

Incident Overview

A large Zoomlion mobile crane was involved in a serious incident during a lifting operation, resulting in a boom failure.

According to available video footage and screenshots, the crane was lifting a large column when the boom bent and failed near the heel pin area. The crane subsequently went over, though the extent of damage and any injuries have not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

What Is Known So Far

• A Zoomlion mobile crane was lifting a large structural column

• The boom bent and snapped close to the heel pin area

• The incident was captured on video, though details are limited

• No confirmed information is available regarding location, load weight, crane configuration, or personnel injuries

As is often the case with incidents involving cranes operating in some regions, very little verified information has been released publicly.

What Is Not Yet Known

At this stage, there is no confirmed information regarding:

• Crane model or capacity

• Load weight and radius

• Ground conditions

• Wind speed or weather conditions

• Crane setup, counterweight configuration, or outrigger deployment

• Maintenance history or inspection status

Until official findings are released, the root cause cannot be determined.

Why Events Like This Can Occur

Boom failures near the heel pin area typically involve extreme stress concentrations, which may be influenced by one or more factors such as:

• Structural fatigue or undetected damage

• Load conditions exceeding charted limits

• Dynamic loading during lifting or slewing

• Environmental influences such as wind

• Improper crane configuration or setup

Without verified data, these remain possible contributing factors, not conclusions.

Industry Reminder

Regardless of the final cause, this incident is a reminder that crane operations carry inherent risk and that failures can escalate rapidly when structural limits are exceeded or when unseen factors combine.

Maintaining vigilance, following procedures, and respecting equipment limits remain fundamental to preventing serious incidents.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents using verified information and industry-standard safety context. Where facts are limited, no conclusions are drawn beyond what can be confirmed.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Structural Inspection and NDT

Boom sections, particularly high-stress areas such as the heel pin and chord connections, should be subject to regular inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) as part of preventative maintenance programs.

Lift Planning and Verification

Every heavy or critical lift should be supported by a verified lift plan, confirming load weight, radius, crane configuration, and dynamic factors before execution.

Load Chart Discipline

Strict adherence to load charts including allowances for radius growth, wind, and dynamic effects remains essential, especially when lifting long or bulky loads.

Environmental Monitoring

Wind speed, gusting, and changing weather conditions must be monitored continuously, with clear stop-work thresholds defined and enforced.

Operator Authority to Stop Work

Operators must retain full authority to stop a lift if conditions change or if something does not feel right during the operation.