Close call as crane crashes down near student accommodation
A 60-tonne crane has toppled, crushing five cars just metres from student accommodation.
The incident occurred at Bond University on the Gold Coast on Wednesday while the crane was removing trees damaged by Cyclone Alfred.
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Both the crane and a large gum tree came crashing down in the parking lot.
'We just heard this big bang … people kind of screaming and stuff,' said witness James Dibben, describing the chaos.
The crane's cabin smashed into one car, while the boom and the tree hit four others.
'If it had fallen on those demountables ... those would've had people in them, so [it's] lucky it came and fell the other way,' said Allan Mourad, another witness, referring to the student accommodation next to the carpark.
An external contractor was removing hazardous trees when the crane toppled.
'He was trying to get the gum tree on this side ... hooked it up, when they cut the branch it swung and dragged the thing over,' said Mourad.
Fortunately, no one was near the crane when it fell, and it was operated remotely.
'You know that show on TV... idiots at work... on YouTube.. say no more...,' Mourad laughed.
Bond University said the work was scheduled during the semester break when most students were away.
However, despite barriers around the carpark, residents say no warning was given to keep cars away.
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