Spider Lift Overturns During Travel, Fatally Crushing Operator in Kuala Lumpur

30 Second Takeaway

A 32-year-old man was fatally injured on Friday night in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when a spider lift overturned while being travelled by remote control during sign installation preparations. The incident occurred on Jalan Perak, where preliminary findings indicate the lift struck the edge of a pavement and tipped over onto the operator. The machine involved was a newly delivered 17-metre Zoomlion ZX27AE spider lift. Two nearby vehicles were also damaged, and one vehicle occupant sustained minor injuries. Authorities have launched a full investigation into site permitting, equipment ownership, and operating conditions. The incident highlights the risks associated with mobile access platform travel in confined urban environments, particularly when remote operation and edge hazards are involved.

Incident Overview

Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A fatal spider lift accident occurred late Friday night in the historic centre of Kuala Lumpur while access equipment was being positioned to support sign installation work on a building along Jalan Perak.

What Happened

Based on information available at the time of publication:

• A 32-year-old man was preparing to carry out sign installation work on a building

• The worker was travelling a spider lift using a remote controller

• The machine involved was a newly supplied 17-metre Zoomlion ZX27AE spider lift

• While being travelled, the lift appears to have struck the edge of the pavement or sidewalk

• The spider lift overturned and fell onto the operator

• The operator sustained fatal injuries at the scene

• Two nearby cars were damaged by the overturn

• One vehicle occupant suffered minor injuries

What Is Known

• Equipment involved: Spider lift / tracked aerial work platform

• Model: Zoomlion ZX27AE (17 m working height)

• Incident type: Overturn during travel

• Location: Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Work scope: Preparation for building sign installation

• Fatalities: One

• Additional injuries: One minor injury reported (vehicle occupant)

• Property damage: Two vehicles damaged

• Investigation status: Active investigation underway

Investigation Status

Authorities have launched a formal investigation under Section 41(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.

As part of the investigation, officials are:

• Determining whether the contractor held the required work permits from Kuala Lumpur City Hall

• Verifying ownership and deployment authority of the spider lift

• Reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area

• Examining site conditions, equipment setup, and operating procedures

No conclusions have been released at the time of publication.

Why This Incident Was Possible

Spider lift overturns during travel typically occur when machines encounter unexpected changes in elevation, edge drop-offs, or surface transitions that exceed stability limits.

Contributing factors commonly associated with similar incidents include:

• Pavement edges or curbs not adequately protected or ramped

• Operating on narrow sidewalks or mixed-use urban surfaces

• Reduced operator visibility or delayed reaction during remote control operation

• Insufficient exclusion zones around public traffic areas

• Machine travel conducted before final stabilization or positioning

Urban environments present unique risks due to tight clearances, uneven infrastructure, and the proximity of pedestrians and vehicles.

Industry Reminder

Fatal incidents can occur during machine travel, not just during work at height.

Remote-controlled access platforms require the same level of route planning, hazard assessment, and supervision as elevated operations. Once stability is lost, recovery time is often measured in seconds.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access equipment incidents to support industry learning and prevention. This article is based on information available at the time of publication and may be updated as further details emerge from investigating authorities.

How Spider Lift Travel Incidents Can Be Prevented

Verify Travel Paths in Advance

Routes should be inspected for edges, curbs, drop-offs, slopes, and surface transitions before machine movement begins.

Control Edge Hazards

Temporary ramps, barriers, or edge protection should be installed where pavement edges or elevation changes exist.

Treat Travel as a High-Risk Operation

Traveling mobile access equipment should be planned and supervised with the same rigor as work at height.

Establish Clear Exclusion Zones

Public areas should be properly isolated to protect pedestrians and vehicles from potential overturn zones.

Ensure Operator Positioning and Visibility

Operators using remote controls must maintain safe positioning with a clear escape path and unobstructed view of machine movement.