A massive construction crane today fell across two lanes of one of Kuala Lumpur’s major highways. Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt.
The incident occurred when a crawler crane that was being used for construction works on the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway, near Ampang, fell this morning at 9:58am.
It has caused massive congestions, spanning four kilometers in both directions, and has persisted well into this evening, compounding rush hour traffic.
Selangor Fire and Rescue have reported that there was one victim, a 36-year-old male crane operator, who was given first-aid and taken to a nearby hospital.
Initial reports state that the crane lost its balance and fell towards the road while it was lifting casings.
Two years ago, the Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) expressed that there was a shortage of qualified crane operators working in Malaysia, and that some companies were engaging in illegal practices by hiring unqualified individuals.
Reports have yet to clarify whether the operator in this incident was at fault, nor whether he possessed the necessary certification to operate the machinery.
Our advice: Find an alternative route to the MRR2, and check your Waze before you head out from the office.
