Fatal Crane Incident at Cape Canaveral Hospital Site in Florida

30-Second Takeaway

Two workers were killed on Wednesday after the boom and jib of a lattice crawler crane collapsed onto a delivery truck at the construction site of the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Florida. The incident occurred during high winds reported to be around 50 mph and has been described as a serious weather-related event. Authorities and site management have suspended work and launched an investigation.

Incident Overview

A fatal crane incident occurred on Wednesday June 4th  at the construction site of the new Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island, Florida, when the boom and jib of a lattice crawler crane collapsed during severe weather conditions.

The crane struck the roof of the partly constructed hospital building before coming down onto the cab of a delivery truck, fatally injuring two workers.

What Is Known

• Location: Cape Canaveral Hospital construction site, Merritt Island, Florida

• Crane involved: Lattice crawler crane (Manitowoc)

• Owner/operator: Maxim Crane Works fleet

• Fatalities: Two workers

• Victims’ employers:

  • One employed by Baker Concrete

  • One employed by another trade contractor

• Weather conditions: Winds reported at approximately 50 mph

• Injuries: Fatal

No additional injuries have been reported.

Sequence of Events

Information received so far indicates that:

• Severe winds were affecting the site at the time

• One crawler crane on site had already lowered its boom and jib

• A second crane, the one involved was believed to be in the process of lowering, though this has not yet been confirmed

• The boom and jib collapsed, striking the building and then a truck

These details remain subject to confirmation as the investigation continues.

Statements From Project Partners

Gilbane Building Company, the managing contractor, issued the following statement:

“Two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured as a result of an incident involving a crane. The site has been secured, and work is currently suspended. We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones and co-workers.”

Health First, which is developing the new hospital facility, added:

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones and all those affected. In the meantime, we are monitoring the situation closely with local authorities and Gilbane, the construction management company on the project, as they continue their investigation. We understand this is deeply concerning, and we will share additional information as it becomes available.”

Investigation Status

At the time of publication:

• The site has been secured and shut down

• Authorities are investigating the incident

• Weather conditions, crane configuration, and decision-making timelines are expected to be reviewed

• No official cause has been released

Crane Hub Global will update this article as verified findings become available.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Crawler cranes are vulnerable to high wind loads, particularly when booms and jibs are elevated or transitioning between operating and out-of-service configurations.

Serious incidents can occur when:

• Wind speeds increase rapidly

• Weather thresholds are exceeded during configuration changes

• Personnel or vehicles remain within crane fall zones

Boom lowering operations during deteriorating weather are among the highest-risk phases of crane operation.

Industry Reminder

Weather-related crane incidents can escalate rapidly and with devastating consequences. Transition phases such as lowering booms and jibs require conservative decision-making and early action.

This tragic incident underscores the importance of weather awareness, exclusion control, and decisive stand-down procedures.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. Apparent causes and sequences are clearly identified where official findings are pending. This article will be updated as verified information becomes available.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Conservative Wind Thresholds

Clear, enforceable wind limits must be defined for both lifting and configuration changes, not just lifting operations.

Early Weather Stand-Down Decisions

Cranes should be placed into out-of-service configuration before winds approach critical levels, not after.

Exclusion Zones During Weather Events

Personnel and vehicles should be cleared from potential fall and collapse zones during high-wind conditions.

Coordinated Site-Wide Weather Response

All cranes and contractors on large sites should follow a single, coordinated weather response plan.

Operator Stop-Work Authority

Operators must retain absolute authority to stop work and secure cranes when conditions deteriorate.