Electrical Arc from Crane Boom Seriously Injures Two Workers Near Backnang
30 Second Takeaway
Two workers were seriously injured on May 27 when an electrical arc struck during a crane lift on a closed section of the B14 near Backnang, Germany. The All Terrain crane was lifting concrete components for bridge work close to an overhead line. Emergency services said they believed the crane had not made direct contact with the line, but electricity arced to the crane. The operator remained in the cab and was uninjured; the two workers on the ground were airlifted to hospital. The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office commissioned an expert report to investigate the cause.
Incident Overview
B14 near Backnang-Mitte, Germany
The incident occurred on a section of the B14 closed to traffic for bridge work. A large All Terrain crane was lifting concrete components when its boom came close to an overhead line. An electrical arc struck the crane, seriously injuring two workers who were standing nearby on the road.
The crane operator remained in the cab and was not injured. Emergency services said the crane had been moved back to a safe distance from the line by the time they arrived.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
An All Terrain crane was lifting concrete bridge components on the closed B14.
The crane boom came close to an overhead line.
An electrical arc struck the crane.
Two workers on the ground near the crane were seriously injured.
Both workers were airlifted to local hospitals.
The crane operator remained in the cab and was uninjured.
Emergency services said they believed the crane had not directly touched the line.
The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office commissioned an expert report to determine the circumstances.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Large All Terrain crane
Work scope: Lifting concrete bridge components
Incident type: Electrical arc involving a crane near an overhead line
Location: Closed section of the B14 near Backnang-Mitte, Germany
Injuries: Two ground workers seriously injured
Crane operator: Uninjured and remained in the cab
Direct line contact: Not confirmed; emergency services said they believed the crane had not touched the line
Investigation status: Expert report commissioned by the Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office
Early Observations
Emergency services said they believed the crane had not physically touched the overhead line. The incident was instead attributed to an electrical arc. The exact separation between the boom and the line, and the conditions that led to the arc, have not been established in the available information.
The two injured workers were on the ground near the crane. The investigation will examine the crane’s position and movements, the overhead line and the work arrangements in place at the time.
Why This Incident Was Possible
An electrical arc can occur when equipment approaches an energized line, even without direct contact. If a crane becomes energized, workers nearby may also be exposed to electrical danger.
The specific cause and sequence of events remain under investigation. The available information does not establish what clearances or controls were in place during the lift.
Industry Reminder
Overhead lines must be treated as energized unless the relevant utility or authority confirms otherwise. Lifting plans should identify line locations and required clearances, and crews should coordinate with the line operator before work begins.
If a crane approaches or contacts a line, people on the ground should stay clear until the utility confirms the equipment is de-energized and safe to approach.
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 circumstances of the electrical arc remain under investigation.
How Crane Electrical Arcs Can Be Prevented
Identify overhead lines before the lift
Include line locations and required approach distances in the lift plan and site briefing.
Coordinate with the utility or line operator
Arrange for lines to be de-energized or otherwise protected where the required clearance cannot be maintained.
Control boom movement near lines
Use a clear operating plan and a designated signal person to help the operator maintain safe separation.
Keep ground crews clear of the crane’s danger zone
Limit personnel near the crane while it is operating close to overhead electrical hazards.
Prepare for electrical emergencies
Brief crews on what to do if a crane approaches a line. Keep everyone clear until the utility confirms the machine is safe.
