Boom Lift Falls From Delivery Truck in Boom, Belgium, Seriously Injuring Operator
30-Second Takeaway
A man was seriously injured after an 80-ft boom lift fell from the side of a delivery truck while being unloaded in the town of Boom, Belgium. The incident occurred around midday on Antwerp Straat and involved a Genie Z-80 boom lift from the Rob Verhuur rental fleet. The injured man, aged 30, suffered serious head injuries and remains in critical condition. Local authorities and the Occupational Wellbeing Inspectorate are investigating.
Incident Overview
A serious access-equipment incident occurred midday yesterday Septmeber 15th in central Boom, Belgium, when an 80-ft boom lift fell from the side of a delivery truck during unloading operations.
The boom lift struck the ground, seriously injuring a man believed to have been operating or unloading the machine at the time.
What Is Known
Location: Antwerp Straat, Boom, Belgium
Date: September 15th
Equipment involved: Genie Z-80 boom lift
Rental fleet: Rob Verhuur
Injured person: Male, 30 years old
Injuries: Serious head injuries
Condition: Remains serious
Injuries: One confirmed
The injured man is believed to have been the delivery driver, though this has not been formally confirmed.
Immediate Impact
Following the incident:
Emergency services attended the scene
Antwerp Straat was closed for several hours
The closure remained in place until later in the evening to allow investigation and recovery
No additional injuries were reported.
Investigation Status
Local authorities have launched an investigation in conjunction with Belgium’s Occupational Wellbeing Inspectorate.
The investigation is expected to examine:
Unloading method and procedure
Vehicle positioning and restraint systems
Boom-lift securing arrangements during transport
Compliance with unloading and delivery safety protocols
No official findings have been released at the time of publication.
Why Incidents Like This Can Occur
Boom lifts can fall from delivery vehicles when:
Machines are not fully secured before restraints are released
Delivery vehicles are not level during unloading
Inadequate unloading equipment or procedures are used
Single-person deliveries lack secondary supervision
Large boom lifts carry a high centre of gravity, making controlled unloading critical.
Industry Reminder
Delivery and unloading operations are often treated as routine, yet they remain one of the highest-risk phases for MEWPs and mobile plant.
This incident highlights the importance of disciplined unloading procedures, supervision, and exclusion control, particularly when handling large boom lifts.
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
Controlled Unloading Procedures
Unloading should follow manufacturer-approved methods, using appropriate ramps, cranes, or loading equipment.
Vehicle Stability Verification
Delivery vehicles must be level and stable before restraints are released.
Secondary Supervision
High-risk unloading operations benefit from a second trained person overseeing the process.
Exclusion Zones
Clear exclusion zones should be maintained during unloading to prevent personnel exposure.
Training and Delivery Planning
Drivers involved in MEWP deliveries should receive specific unloading and securing training, particularly for large boom lifts.
