Tower Crane Jib Collapse in Kensington, London During Lifting Operation
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
30 Second Takeaway
A luffing jib tower crane experienced a jib collapse during a lift in Kensington, London, on Wednesday morning when a connection point near the base of the jib failed. The crane, believed to be a Jaso J198HPA hydraulic luffing jib tower crane from the Falcon Cranes fleet, dropped its jib onto the job site. No injuries were reported. Falcon Cranes confirmed the incident and stated that a joint investigation with the crane manufacturer is now underway.
Incident Overview
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
A tower crane jib collapse occurred during lifting operations at a construction site in Kensington, London, after a structural connection point near the base of the jib reportedly failed. The incident involved a hydraulic luffing jib tower crane, causing the jib to drop onto the construction site below.
The crane is believed to be a Jaso J198HPA, an 18-tonne capacity luffing jib tower crane, reportedly from the Falcon Cranes rental fleet. Authorities and industry partners are now investigating the incident.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
• A luffing jib tower crane was conducting a lift at a construction site in Kensington
• The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning
• A connection point near the base of the jib reportedly failed during operation
• The structural failure caused the tower crane jib to collapse onto the job site
• The crane is believed to be a Jaso hydraulic luffing jib model, possibly the 18-tonne J198HPA
• The crane is thought to be from the Falcon Cranes rental fleet
• It has not yet been confirmed whether the crane was operated by the contractor or the rental provider
• No injuries were reported as a result of the collapse• A formal investigation has begun
What Is Known
• Equipment involved: Jaso hydraulic luffing jib tower crane (possibly J198HPA
)• Incident type: Tower crane jib collapse during lifting operation
• Location: Kensington, London, United Kingdom
• Work scope: Lifting operation at a construction site
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Tower crane jib collapsed onto site• Investigation status: Investigation underway with crane manufacturer involvement
Early Observations
While the exact cause of the tower crane jib collapse in London has not yet been confirmed, early reports indicate that a connection point near the base of the jib failed during lifting operations.
Initial information suggests:
• The failure occurred at a structural connection point within the jib assembly
• The crane was actively engaged in a lift at the time of the incident
• The collapse involved the jib section rather than the tower mast
• Structural loading and connection integrity may be central to the investigation
Authorities and industry experts will likely examine mechanical integrity, connection hardware, load conditions, and operational configuration during the incident.
The investigation is currently ongoing.
Why This Incident Was Possible
Tower crane jib collapses during lifting operations are rare but high-risk structural events that can occur when key load-bearing components fail under operational stress.
Potential contributing factors in similar incidents include:
• Structural failure of jib connection pins or bolts
• Fatigue or undetected cracking in structural components
• Incorrect assembly or torque specification during crane erection
• Overloading or dynamic loading during lifting operations
• Improper maintenance or inspection of connection hardware
• Manufacturing defects in structural components
• Unexpected load shifts during operation
• Mechanical or structural fatigue after extended service life
Because luffing jib tower cranes operate under variable load angles and dynamic stresses, the structural integrity of jib connection points is critical to maintaining safe operation.
Industry Reminder
Tower crane lifting operations rely heavily on structural integrity and precise assembly of jib components.
Connection points, structural bolts, and pins must be inspected and verified regularly, particularly on luffing jib cranes where load angles and forces vary significantly during operation. Proper maintenance, inspection protocols, and manufacturer guidance are essential to preventing structural failures.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, crane collapses, and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness, learning, and prevention.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication and may be updated as additional details emerge from investigators, crane manufacturers, and site operators.
How Tower Crane Jib Collapses Can Be Prevented
Conduct Detailed Structural Inspections
Regular inspection of jib connection hardware, structural welds, and load-bearing components helps detect early signs of fatigue or cracking.
Verify Proper Assembly During Erection
All structural connections should be assembled and torqued according to manufacturer specifications during crane erection or modification.
Maintain Manufacturer Inspection Protocols
Routine inspections and maintenance must follow manufacturer-specified service intervals and structural inspection procedures.
Monitor Load Conditions During Operation
Operators should remain aware of dynamic loading conditions and unusual crane movement that could indicate structural stress.
Ensure Certified Personnel Perform Installation and Maintenance
Qualified technicians should perform assembly, structural checks, and maintenance to ensure all components meet engineering standards.
Maintain Stop-Work Authority
Operators and site supervisors should halt operations immediately if unusual noises, structural movement, or mechanical irregularities are detected.
