Major Crane Incident in Turkey Involving Zoomlion Crawler Crane and Liebherr LTM 1800

30-Second Takeaway

A major crane incident occurred in Turkey involving an 800-tonne Zoomlion crawler crane and a Liebherr LTM 1800 during the lifting of a large cold box. The crawler crane reportedly experienced a structural failure, resulting in the separation of the superstructure from the carbody. No injuries were reported. Both cranes were operated by Sarilar, and Zoomlion has confirmed that a technical team is being dispatched to investigate the cause.

Incident Overview

Crane Hub Global has received information regarding a serious crane incident in Turkey involving two heavy-lift machines:

• An 800-tonne Chinese-manufactured Zoomlion crawler crane

• A Liebherr LTM 1800 all-terrain crane

The incident occurred during a cold box lift, with both cranes owned and operated by Sarilar, a Turkish lifting and heavy transport company.

At this stage, the incident appears to involve a structural failure of the crawler crane. Zoomlion has confirmed that it is sending a technical investigation team to the site.

What Is Known So Far

• Both cranes were operated by Sarilar

• The lift involved a large cold box

• The crawler crane experienced an apparent structural failure

• The superstructure detached from the carbody

• The Liebherr LTM 1800 was damaged during the incident

• No injuries have been reported

Crane Hub Global will refrain from speculation and will report further details once verified findings become available.

A scene of devastation

Scene of the Incident

According to site observations and video footage:

Once the cold box was raised into an upright position, the load remained suspended for approximately 30 minutes. During the lift, the load deviated from vertical alignment and drifted to the left.

Observers noted that:

• The superlift tray was visibly elevated off the ground

• There was no apparent slewing or tracking movement

• Several distinct banging noises could be heard, possibly originating from the boom structure or slew ring

As the crane began to tilt, the entire superstructure separated from the crawler carbody, resulting in catastrophic failure.

Crawler Crane Configuration

(As reported)

• Superstructure ballast: 210 t

• Carbody ballast: 60 t

• Main boom: 81 m

• Fixed fly jib: 18 m

• Superlift ballast: 200 t

Load Information

• Load weight (including rigging and hook): 271.6 t

• Maximum rated capacity: 337.0 t

• Utilization at time of lift: ~82%

The damaged LTM1800

Impact on the Liebherr LTM 1800

The Liebherr LTM 1800 sustained significant damage during the incident. Based on available information, the all-terrain crane was not the initiating factor and was positioned as part of the overall lift arrangement.

Fortunately, all personnel escaped injury, a notable outcome given the scale of the equipment involved and the severity of the failure.

Investigation Status

Zoomlion has confirmed that a technical investigation team is being dispatched to assess the incident and determine root causes. At the time of publication:

• No official cause has been released

• No regulatory findings have been published

• No conclusions regarding design, operation, or maintenance have been confirmed

Crane Hub Global will provide updates if verified findings are made public.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Structural failures in crawler cranes during heavy lifts can be associated with a combination of factors, including:

• Load path or stability changes during prolonged suspension

• Superlift system load redistribution

• Structural fatigue or connection failure

• Dynamic loading effects

• Component interaction between superstructure and carbody

Without official findings, these remain general risk considerations, not determinations related to this incident.

Industry Reminder

Even when operating within charted capacity, heavy-lift crawler cranes operate with narrow margins. Structural behavior, dynamic effects, and system interactions can escalate rapidly, underscoring the importance of planning, monitoring, and disciplined execution.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane incidents using verified information and clearly identifies when findings are unconfirmed. This article will be updated if official investigation results are released.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Engineered Heavy-Lift Planning

Critical lifts involving high utilization ratios should be supported by detailed engineering analysis, including stability margins and prolonged suspension effects.

Structural Monitoring During Lift

Real-time monitoring of boom deflection, superlift forces, and structural response can help identify abnormal behavior before failure escalates.

Defined Hold-Time Procedures

Extended hold times with heavy loads should include specific monitoring and decision thresholds for continuing or aborting the lift.

Superlift System Verification

Superlift ballast, tray behavior, and attachment integrity must be continuously verified, particularly when trays lift or unload unexpectedly.

OEM and Operator Collaboration

Close coordination between crane owners, operators, and OEM technical teams is critical for high-risk lifts involving large crawler cranes.