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.