Boom Lift Drops Into Basement After Sidewalk Collapse in Chicago

30-Second Takeaway

A 49-year-old man was injured in Chicago on Saturday after the pavement beneath a boom lift collapsed, causing the machine to drop one level into a basement. The lift, a Genie unit from the Herc Rentals fleet, fell when a concrete sidewalk panel gave way. The operator suffered a head injury and was reported to be in fair condition at hospital. Authorities are expected to review ground conditions and site controls.

Incident Overview

A serious access equipment incident occurred on Saturday July 17th in Chicago, Illinois, when a boom lift being used on a sidewalk fell into a basement void after the pavement beneath it failed.

The lift dropped approximately one floor when the concrete paving panel collapsed, opening up beneath the machine.

What Is Known

• Location: Chicago, Illinois

• Date: Saturday July 12th

• Equipment involved: Genie boom lift

• Rental provider: Herc Rentals

• Victim: Male, 49

• Injuries: Head injury

• Condition: Reported as “fair” upon hospital admission

Emergency responders attended the scene and transported the injured worker to hospital.

Incident Details

• The boom lift was positioned on a sidewalk or paved area

• A concrete paving panel gave way beneath the machine

• The lift dropped into the basement below

• No other injuries were reported

At the time of publication, no additional information has been released regarding structural condition of the pavement or whether the basement void was known or marked.

Investigation Status

Authorities are expected to examine:

• Pavement and sub-surface conditions

• Structural integrity of the sidewalk slab

• Site preparation and access planning

• Whether voids or basements beneath the pavement were identified

No official findings have yet been released.

Crane Hub Global will update this article if further verified information becomes available.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Urban sidewalks and paved areas often conceal:

• Basement voids or vaults beneath concrete slabs

• Aging or poorly supported paving panels

• Utility corridors and service ducts

Boom lifts impose high point loads, which can exceed the capacity of unsupported or deteriorated slabs, particularly when voids exist below.

Industry Reminder

Urban access work presents hidden ground risks that are not always visible at surface level. Sidewalk slabs may not be designed to carry heavy mobile equipment.

The absence of more serious injury in this incident was fortunate and highlights the importance of ground verification and load distribution when operating boom lifts in built-up areas.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access equipment incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects confirmed information available at the time of publication and will be updated as official findings are released.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Subsurface and Void Identification

Sidewalks, vaults, and basements beneath paved areas should be identified and assessed before placing MEWPs.

Load Distribution Measures

Use of engineered spreader plates or mats helps distribute wheel loads over a larger area.

Pavement Condition Assessment

Visual inspection alone is insufficient—structural assessment may be required in urban environments.

Exclusion of Unknown Surfaces

MEWPs should not be operated on surfaces with unknown load capacity without verification.

Urban Lift Planning

Lift plans should specifically address sidewalk vaults, basements, and underground structures, common in city centres.