Five-Axle Mobile Crane Overturns Onto Van in Kiryas Joel, New York
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
A five-axle mobile crane overturned onto a parked van on Tuesday in Kiryas Joel, New York, trapping the crane operator and injuring two other people. The crane was reportedly in a setup or breakdown phase with no counterweight installed and outriggers only partially extended. The operator sustained minor injuries, and no one was inside the van at the time. State police and local fire crews responded, managing a complex recovery that lasted more than 12 hours.
Incident Overview
A serious crane incident occurred on Tuesday July 22nd in Kiryas Joel, a small town north of New York City near Monroe, New York, when a five-axle mobile crane overturned during site operations.
The crane tipped onto its side, with the boom striking and destroying a parked van. Emergency services arrived to find the crane operator trapped in the cab.
Fire crews quickly assisted the operator out of the cab. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
What Is Known
Location: Kiryas Joel, near Monroe, New York
Crane type: Five-axle all-terrain mobile crane
Crane owner: US Crane (New York City-based)
Boom position: Fully elevated with one section telescoped
Outriggers: Partially extended
Counterweight: None installed
Injuries:
Crane operator: minor injuries
Two additional people: minor injuries, transported to hospital
Third-party damage: One van destroyed
Fatalities: None
No one was inside the van at the time of the collapse.
Scene Observations
Video footage and images reviewed suggest:
The crane was either setting up or preparing to leave site
The absence of counterweight indicates it may have been installing or removing ballast
The front right outrigger jack or cribbing may have been involved in the overturn
These observations have not been officially confirmed and remain subject to investigation.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Local fire chief Yossi Blumenthal stated:
“The operator was very lucky given the size of the crane and the nature of the collapse, this could have ended much differently. I’m proud of how quickly and safely our firefighters responded.”
Fire crews remained on site for more than 12 hours due to the complexity of the recovery.
Responders faced multiple hazards, including:
Ongoing crane instability
Risk of secondary collapse
Hydraulic fluid and diesel fuel leaks, creating environmental and fire hazards
Investigation Status
At the time of publication:
State police are reviewing the incident
The precise cause of the overturn has not been confirmed
Equipment setup, outrigger support, and site conditions are expected to be examined
Crane Hub Global will update this article as verified information becomes available.
Why Incidents Like This Can Occur
Mobile crane overturns during setup or breakdown phases often involve:
Partial outrigger deployment
No counterweight installed, reducing stability margins
Uneven or inadequately supported outrigger ground conditions
Boom elevated before full stabilization is achieved
These transitional phases are among the highest-risk moments in crane operations.
Industry Reminder
Crane setup and breakdown phases carry elevated risk, even at low speeds and without a suspended load.
The absence of serious injuries in this incident was fortunate and underscores the importance of disciplined setup procedures, ground assessment, and exclusion control.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects confirmed information available at the time of publication. Observations are clearly identified where official findings are pending.
How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented
Strict Setup and Breakdown Procedures
Boom elevation should be avoided until full outrigger deployment and ground support are confirmed.
Outrigger Ground Bearing Verification
Cribbing and ground conditions must be assessed and monitored, particularly during partial configurations.
Counterweight Handling Discipline
Clear procedures should define safe boom positions when installing or removing counterweight.
Exclusion Zones During Setup
Vehicles and personnel should be kept clear of potential fall and collapse zones during crane configuration changes.
Stop-Work Authority
Operators and supervisors must halt operations immediately if any instability or abnormal movement is observed.
