Two Killed After Crawler Crane Boom Collapse at Dockside Redevelopment in Everett, Massachusetts

30-Second Takeaway

Two workers were killed after the boom of a lattice crawler crane collapsed during demolition work at a dockside redevelopment site in Everett, north of Boston, on Friday. The incident occurred while crews were dismantling old storage tanks at a former Exxon oil terminal. One man died shortly after being transported to hospital, while the second was declared dead at the scene. Early reports suggest a wire rope failure, though investigations are ongoing.

Incident Overview

A fatal crane incident occurred on Friday October 24th at a dockside redevelopment project in Everett, Massachusetts, on the north side of Boston.

A lattice crawler crane dropped its boom during demolition operations, fatally striking two workers, reported to be in their 30s and 40s.

The workers were part of a crew demolishing old storage tanks at the obsolete Exxon oil terminal when the collapse occurred.

What Is Known

• Location: Everett, Massachusetts (dockside redevelopment site)

• Project type: Demolition of former oil terminal storage tanks

• Crane type: Lattice crawler crane

• Crane make/model: Appears to be a Manitowoc 4100 (not officially confirmed)

• Fatalities: Two male workers

Emergency responders rescued one worker relatively quickly and transported him to hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. The second worker remained trapped beneath the collapsed boom and was declared dead at the scene.

Early Reports on Cause

Subsequent reports indicate the collapse may have been caused by a wire rope failure, potentially involving:

• The boom luffing rope, or

• A pendant rope

These reports have not yet been formally confirmed by investigators and should not be treated as final conclusions.

Companies Involved

• Crane operator: Subcontractors working on behalf of Charter Contracting (main contractor)

• Project developer: Everett Landco (joint venture)

Everett Landco issued the following statement:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic accident that occurred today. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives and to everyone affected by this incident. We are working closely with public safety officials and the contractors performing the work to gather information and understand what happened.”

Investigation Status

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. At the time of publication:

• No official root cause has been confirmed

• Equipment condition and maintenance history are under review

• Regulatory agencies are expected to examine rope integrity, inspection records, and lift procedures

Crane Hub Global will update this article as verified information becomes available.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Boom collapses involving lattice crawler cranes are often associated with:

• Wire rope or pendant failure due to fatigue, corrosion, or wear

• Insufficient inspection or missed degradation indicators

• Dynamic loading during demolition work

• Aging equipment operating in harsh marine or industrial environments

  
  

  Dockside demolition projects introduce additional risks due to corrosive conditions, restricted work areas, and complex load paths.

Industry Reminder

Lattice crawler cranes store enormous energy in their boom and hoisting systems. When failures occur, consequences are often catastrophic.

This incident reinforces the importance of rope integrity management, inspection discipline, and conservative operating practices, especially during demolition work.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane-related incidents to support industry learning and prevention. This article reflects information available at the time of publication and will be updated as official findings are released.How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Wire Rope and Pendant Inspection

Critical hoisting and luffing ropes must undergo frequent, documented inspections, particularly on older cranes and in marine environments.

Replacement Based on Condition, Not Age Alone

Wire ropes should be replaced based on measured wear, corrosion, and fatigue, not just service hours.

Demolition-Specific Lift Planning

Demolition lifts require tailored plans that account for shock loading, unknown load behavior, and structural instability.

Exclusion Zones Beneath Booms

Strict exclusion zones beneath booms and suspended components are essential to limit exposure if a structural failure occurs.

Crane Modernization and Monitoring

Where feasible, enhanced monitoring systems and upgraded components can improve early detection of abnormal loading or rope behavior.