Fatal crane collapse investigated

The collapse of a tower crane in Liverpool that left a man dead is being investigated Health and Safety (HSE) inspectors and Merseyside Police.

Another man was injured in the accident on a building site on Colquitt Street in the city centre.

The inspectors have been joined by an HSE crane specialist and forensic photographers.

The HSE said it is too early to speculate as to the cause of the collapse on Monday.

Safety alert

"Our main concern at this stage is to ensure that the site is made safe so that the investigation can proceed without anyone else being injured," said Mike Cross, HSE Head of Operations.

"Arrangements have been made to assess parts of the building, which were damaged by the incident to see if additional temporary support is needed before we can access them.

"We will also be bringing in mobile access equipment to examine the parts of the crane now lying across the site."

The HSE has issued a safety alert which is available on their website.

Mr Cross said that the HSE had published information on their website for members of the public and construction companies about building site safety

"I understand that the people of Merseyside may be concerned about the safety of the many tower cranes, which can be seen around the city.

"I am urging all building companies on Merseyside to ensure they are following our advice, which if followed, should ensure that these cranes can be operated safely."