Mobile Crane Collapses Onto Home During Utility Work in Merritt Island, Florida

30-Second Takeaway

A mobile crane collapsed onto a residential home in Merritt Island, Florida, on Wednesday, August 13, while installing large telephone poles. The four-axle Liebherr all-terrain crane, operated by Big Iron Crane Rental, tipped after apparent ground failure beneath a rear outrigger. A water main was ruptured during the lift, contributing to loss of ground support. No injuries were reported. OSHA and AT&T have inspected the site and are investigating.

Incident Overview

A serious crane incident occurred on Wednesday, August 13th, in Merritt Island, Florida, when a mobile crane collapsed onto a house during utility installation work.

The crane, a four-axle Liebherr all-terrain from the Big Iron Crane Rental fleet, was being used to install large telephone poles in a residential area.

The crane was set up directly in front of the home, which belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Crane.

What Is Known

• Location: Merritt Island, Florida (Orlando area)

• Date: Wednesday, August 13

• Crane involved: Four-axle Liebherr all-terrain crane

• Operator: Big Iron Crane Rental

• Task: Installing telephone poles

• Injuries: None reported

The crane’s six-section main boom was almost fully extended at the time of the incident, and a pole had already been lifted when the situation escalated.

Sequence of Events

According to information available:

• Water was seen spurting from beneath a rear outrigger during the lift

• The crane began to tip shortly afterward

• It appears the outrigger loading ruptured a water main

• The resulting water release washed away supporting ground, enlarging a void beneath the crane

• The crane then collapsed onto the house

Photographs suggest that at least two outriggers may have been retracted or not fully extended, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Impact and Response

The homeowner, Jim Crane, was outside observing the lift at the time. His wife was not home.

Despite the severity of the collapse and damage to the property, no one was injured.

Representatives from:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• AT&T, the telecommunications company associated with the work

attended the site and conducted inspections. A formal report is expected.

Investigation Status

At the time of publication:

• OSHA is reviewing the incident

• Utility infrastructure interaction is part of the review

• No official findings have been released

• 
  

Crane Hub Global will update this article when verified conclusions are made public.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Urban and residential crane operations frequently encounter undocumented or poorly marked underground services, including water mains.

Crane stability can be compromised when:

• Underground utilities fail beneath outriggers

• Ground bearing capacity is misjudged

• Outrigger extension or load distribution is uneven

• Water ingress rapidly weakens soil strength

Once ground support is lost, overturn progression can be rapid and difficult to arrest.

Industry Reminder

Crane operations in residential environments introduce additional risks due to unknown underground conditions and limited tolerance for error.

The absence of injuries in this incident was fortunate. It reinforces the importance of ground assessment, utility awareness, and conservative setup practices when lifting near occupied structures.

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

Underground Services Identification

Utility scans and records review should be completed before crane setup to identify water, sewer, and service lines beneath outrigger positions.

Ground Bearing Pressure Assessment

Outrigger loading calculations should include soil type, saturation risk, and proximity to buried utilities.

Full Outrigger Deployment Verification

Outriggers must be fully extended, properly cribbed, and verified before lifting, especially with long boom configurations.

Outrigger Monitoring During Lifts

Operators and supervisors should watch for ground movement, water release, or settlement during lifting operations and stop work immediately if observed.

Residential Exclusion Planning

When cranes operate near homes, lift planning should include collapse zones and property protection measures.