Boom Lift Overturns During Elevated Work in Pontarso, Italy
30 Second Takeaway
A 36-year-old worker was seriously injured when a Manitou articulated boom lift overturned at a small hydroelectric facility in Pontarso, Italy, on Wednesday, August 26. He had been blast-cleaning the inside of an emptied storage tank from a platform about five metres above ground. The lift reportedly overturned after its rear axle dropped into a drainage channel while the operator was driving with the platform elevated. The worker was thrown from the platform and airlifted to hospital with multiple leg fractures and head injuries.
Incident Overview
Pontarso, Telve, Trentino, Italy
The worker was using a mid-size Manitou articulated boom lift to blast-clean the interior walls of an emptied storage tank or pond at a small hydroelectric plant. While the platform was about five metres high, the lift was driven and its rear axle reportedly dropped into an outflow or inflow channel.
The machine overturned, throwing the worker from the platform into the drainage channel. He was airlifted to hospital. Initial reports described his condition as serious but stable.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, at Pontarso, in the municipality of Telve, Italy.
A 36-year-old worker was blast-cleaning the interior of an emptied storage tank or pond at a small hydroelectric plant.
He was working from a mid-size Manitou articulated boom lift at a height of about five metres.
The lift was driven while the platform was elevated.
The rear axle reportedly dropped into an outflow or inflow channel.
The boom lift overturned, throwing the worker from the platform.
The worker was found in the drainage channel with multiple leg fractures and head injuries.
He was airlifted to hospital and was reported to be in serious but stable condition.
The incident was under investigation.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Mid-size Manitou articulated boom lift.
Incident type: Boom lift overturn with a worker ejected from the platform.
Location: Pontarso, municipality of Telve, Trentino, Italy.
Work activity: Blast-cleaning the inside of an emptied storage tank or pond at a small hydroelectric facility.
Working height: Approximately five metres.
Reported sequence: The rear axle dropped into a drainage channel while the lift was being driven with the platform elevated.
Injuries: Multiple leg fractures and head injuries; the worker was reported in serious but stable condition after airlift to hospital.
Investigation status: The incident was under investigation.
Early Observations
Initial reports identify the drainage channel as a key part of the sequence: the lift was reportedly being driven while elevated when its rear axle dropped into the channel and the machine overturned.
The exact site conditions, machine position and operating configuration have not been confirmed by an investigation report. No other contributing factors have been established.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The incident remains under investigation. The reported sequence points to a travel path that included a drainage channel while the platform was elevated. Investigators may examine:
The channel’s position, dimensions and visibility from the operator’s station
The boom lift’s travel route and surface conditions
Whether the machine was driven in a configuration permitted by its operating instructions
The lift’s position, platform height and boom orientation at the time
Site planning, hazard identification and operator training
These are areas for review, not confirmed causes beyond the reported axle drop and overturn.
Industry Reminder
Boom lifts can become unstable when a wheel or axle encounters a drop, channel or change in ground level, particularly when the machine is elevated. Work areas should be assessed before access equipment is positioned or moved, and hazards such as drains, channels and uneven surfaces should be identified and controlled.
Operators should follow the machine manufacturer’s instructions for elevated travel and site conditions. Where a route cannot be made safe, the work plan should account for repositioning the lift before travel.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, access equipment incidents and lifting-related events to support industry awareness, learning and prevention.
This article is based on information available at the time of initial reporting. The incident was under investigation, and the reported sequence may be updated if further findings are released.
How Boom Lift Overturns Can Be Prevented
Inspect the travel route
Identify drainage channels, pits, edges, slopes and uneven ground before positioning or moving the lift.
Control ground-level hazards
Cover, guard, bridge or clearly mark channels and other openings where access equipment may travel.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions
Check whether the machine may be driven while elevated under the specific ground and configuration conditions. Follow the stated limits.
Plan the work area and machine position
Position the lift to reduce the need to travel while elevated and keep wheels clear of edges and drainage features.
Use a spotter where visibility is restricted
A trained spotter can help the operator identify route hazards that are difficult to see from the platform or ground controls.
Train operators for the task and site
Ensure operators understand the machine’s stability limits and how site features affect safe positioning and travel.
