Boom Lift Falls Through Parking Garage Slab in Hermosillo, Killing Two Workers
30 Second Takeaway
Two workers died and a third was seriously injured after a concrete panel above an underground parking garage collapsed beneath a Genie telescopic boom lift in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Wednesday, June 3. The lift was reportedly being driven into position with its boom retracted and slightly raised when the surface gave way. The machine dropped into the garage void, throwing the three workers from the platform. The exact lift model has not been confirmed; it was reported as either a Genie S-65 XC or S-85.
Incident Overview
Plaza Quiroga, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Three workers were preparing to paint a building at a shopping mall on the west side of Hermosillo. They were using a Genie telescopic boom lift above an underground parking garage when a concrete panel beneath the machine collapsed.
The lift reportedly dropped into the garage below, throwing the workers from the platform. All three were taken to hospital. Two, aged 25 and 40, died from their injuries within 24 hours. The third worker was seriously injured and was reported to be expected to survive.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
Three workers were preparing to paint a building above an underground parking garage.
They were using a Genie telescopic boom lift to reach the work area.
The boom was reportedly retracted and slightly raised as the lift moved into position.
A concrete panel beneath the lift gave way.
The lift dropped into the void below, and the workers were thrown from the platform.
All three workers were taken to hospital.
Two workers, aged 25 and 40, later died from their injuries.
The third worker was seriously injured and was expected to survive.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Genie telescopic boom lift
Possible models: S-65 XC or S-85; the exact model has not been confirmed
Reported machine weights: Approximately 11.5 tonnes for the S-65 XC or 18 tonnes for the S-85
Incident type: Concrete panel collapse beneath a boom lift
Location: Shopping mall above an underground parking garage in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Work scope: Preparing to paint the building
Fatalities: Two workers
Other injuries: One worker seriously injured
Investigation status: The cause of the concrete panel collapse has not been confirmed in the available information
Early Observations
The lift was reportedly moving into position with its boom retracted and slightly elevated when the concrete panel collapsed. The exact model and machine weight are not confirmed, and the condition and load capacity of the panel have not been established.
The collapse occurred over an underground parking garage, where the supporting structure’s capacity would need to be considered when positioning and moving heavy equipment. The available information does not establish what structural assessment or site planning was completed before the lift entered the area.
Why This Incident Was Possible
A parking structure’s concrete deck may have limits on the loads it can support. A boom lift’s weight is carried through its wheels, creating concentrated loads that can vary as the machine travels or changes position.
The cause of the panel failure has not been determined. Investigators will need to establish the panel’s condition and design capacity, the lift’s exact model and weight, and the loads applied as the machine moved.
Industry Reminder
Before moving a boom lift onto a slab above a garage or other void, the site team should confirm that the structure can support the machine in its intended route and position. The assessment should account for the lift’s weight and wheel loads, not just the general capacity of the floor.
Choosing a lighter machine may be an option, but equipment selection must be checked against both the task requirements and the verified capacity of the supporting structure.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The exact lift model and cause of the concrete panel collapse have not been confirmed.
How MEWP Falls Through Structural Slabs Can Be Prevented
Confirm the structure’s capacity before access
Obtain confirmation from a qualified structural professional that the slab can support the planned machine, route and operating position.
Check wheel and axle loads
Compare the machine’s operating weight and load distribution with the structure’s allowable capacity. Consider how loads may change as the lift moves.
Plan the route and work position
Identify areas above garages, basements and other voids, then define permitted routes and no-go areas before equipment arrives.
Select equipment for both the task and the structure
Consider suitable lower-weight options where appropriate, while confirming that the chosen machine can perform the work safely.
Stop if the supporting surface shows signs of failure
Keep workers clear and suspend equipment movement if cracking, deflection or other structural concerns are observed.
