Two Killed After Container Crane Strikes Boom Lift at Rail Yard in Cologne

30-Second Takeaway

Two men died after a mobile container crane struck and overturned a self-propelled boom lift at the Eifeltor railway container yard in Cologne, Germany, on Saturday, December 6. The men were performing maintenance work from a 66-ft JLG telescopic boom lift at a height of approximately 16–17 meters when the collision occurred. One man died at the scene, while the second died later in hospital. Authorities have launched a joint investigation into the incident.

Incident Overview

A fatal workplace incident occurred on Saturday, December 6, at the Eifeltor freight and railway container yard in Cologne, Germany.

During maintenance operations, a mobile container (gantry) crane struck a self-propelled telescopic boom lift, causing the lift to overturn while elevated.

Two workers were on the boom lift platform at the time of the impact.

What Is Known

• Location: Eifeltor railway container yard, Cologne

• Equipment involved:

  • Mobile container crane

  • 66-ft JLG telescopic boom lift (Mobilift rental fleet)

• Working height: Approximately 16–17 meters

• Victims:

  • One man aged 83, declared dead at the scene

  • One man aged 64, died later in hospital

• Additional impact: Three colleagues treated in hospital for shock

The men were performing maintenance work at the time of the collision.

Unconfirmed Reports

Some reports suggest that:

• The container crane operator, aged 32, may have been unaware that the boom lift was operating nearby

• One source claims the boom lift was working on the crane itself when it was set in motion

These accounts have not been independently confirmed and should not be treated as factual until verified by investigators.

Investigation Status

A joint investigation involving:

• Police authorities

• Workplace safety regulators

is currently underway.

According to some reports, if confirmed evidence supports negligence, the crane operator may face charges, potentially including culpable homicide. No charges have been confirmed at this stage.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Fatal incidents involving cranes and mobile elevating work platforms often involve:

• Poor visibility or blind spots for crane operators

• Lack of defined exclusion zones

• Inadequate coordination between crane movements and maintenance activities

• Failure to lock out or isolate cranes during work-at-height operations

Container yards are dynamic environments where multiple machines operate simultaneously, increasing collision risk without strict controls.

Industry Reminder

Container terminals and rail yards are among the most complex industrial environments, with overlapping crane, vehicle, and access operations.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of equipment isolation, coordination, and clear communication whenever personnel are working at height near moving cranes.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access-equipment incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects confirmed information available at the time of publication. Unverified accounts are clearly identified and will be updated as official findings emerge.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Crane Isolation During Maintenance

When maintenance work is being carried out on or near cranes, positive isolation and lock-out procedures should prevent unintended movement.

Defined Exclusion and Work Zones

Clear, enforced exclusion zones between cranes and MEWPs help ensure equipment does not operate into occupied work areas.

Communication and Permit-to-Work Systems

Formal permit systems and communication protocols ensure crane operators are fully aware of personnel and equipment working nearby.

Spotters and Visual Aids

Use of spotters, cameras, and warning systems can reduce blind-spot risks in congested container yards.

Traffic and Equipment Coordination Plans

Integrated movement plans for cranes and access platforms help avoid conflicting operations in shared spaces.