SUV Collision with Skyjack Boom Lift Kills Driver, Injures Worker
30 Second Takeaway
A 44-year-old man died after his Dodge Durango struck a stationary Skyjack SJ86T boom lift on westbound Highway 16 near the Highway 60 overpass, west of Edmonton, on May 28. A worker in the lift’s platform was seriously injured and taken to hospital. The lane was reportedly closed and barricaded for bridge work at the time. RCMP said the collision reconstruction unit attended; the circumstances remain under investigation.
Incident Overview
Highway 16 near the Highway 60 overpass, Acheson, Alberta, Canada
The collision happened at approximately 2:42 a.m. on a section of Highway 16 near Acheson, about 10 miles west of Edmonton. The Skyjack SJ86T telescopic boom lift, from the United Rentals fleet, was being used for work on the Highway 60 overpass.
A westbound Dodge Durango struck the stationary work platform. The SUV’s 44-year-old driver, a resident of Spruce Grove, died at the scene. The worker in the platform was seriously injured and transported to hospital.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A Skyjack SJ86T boom lift was being used for work on the Highway 60 overpass.
The work was taking place beside westbound Highway 16 near Acheson.
The lane was reportedly closed and cordoned off with barricades.
A grey Dodge Durango travelling westbound struck the stationary work platform.
The 44-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The worker in the lift’s platform suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
RCMP’s collision reconstruction unit attended the scene.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Skyjack SJ86T telescopic boom lift
Reported fleet: United Rentals
Reported machine weight: More than 17 tonnes
Incident type: Road vehicle collision with an elevated work platform
Location: Westbound Highway 16 near the Highway 60 overpass, Acheson, Alberta
Work scope: Bridge work on the Highway 60 overpass
SUV: Grey Dodge Durango
Fatality: Driver, 44, from Spruce Grove
Other injuries: Worker in the lift platform seriously injured
Investigation status: RCMP collision reconstruction unit attended
Early Observations
The work lane was reportedly closed and barricaded, but the Durango still reached and struck the stationary lift platform. The available information does not establish how the vehicle entered the closed work area or whether any other traffic-control measures were in place.
The RCMP confirmed that the SUV was travelling westbound and struck the stationary platform. The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
Why This Incident Was Possible
A work zone on a live highway remains exposed to the risk of vehicles entering the protected area. Lane closures and barricades are part of traffic control, but the level of separation needed depends on site conditions, vehicle speeds, roadway layout and the type of work underway.
The available information does not establish what caused the Durango to enter the closed lane or whether the work-zone protection played any role.
Industry Reminder
Work-zone planning should account for the potential of a vehicle entering a closed lane where workers and elevated equipment are operating. Traffic-control arrangements should provide suitable separation between road users and the work area, with clear advance warnings and access controls.
When work is beside an active highway, crews should understand the site’s traffic plan and where to move if a vehicle enters the work zone.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation.
How Vehicle Collisions with Work Platforms Can Be Prevented
Plan traffic control for vehicle intrusion
Assess how vehicles could enter the work area and select controls that provide suitable separation for the site and road conditions.
Establish a protected work zone
Use lane closures, barricades and other traffic-control measures in accordance with the approved work-zone plan.
Provide advance warning to drivers
Ensure signs and traffic-control devices clearly communicate the closure and guide traffic away from workers and equipment.
Position equipment within the protected area
Keep the lift and its platform inside the work zone, with workers clear of traffic wherever the site layout allows.
Brief workers on emergency actions
Make sure the crew knows how to respond if a vehicle enters the work zone and where to move to reach a safer position.
