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Runaway wrecking ball...

digger242j

digger242j

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This happened yesterday, about 60 miles north of me. :eek: It ended up in the trunk of some guy's car.

TV station coverage. Be sure to watch the video.

(KDKA) MEADVILLE A runaway 1,500-pound wrecking ball barreled out of control for nearly a mile in Meadville, causing damage and injury.

The ball broke loose at the top of a hill where part of a library at Allegheny College was being demolished....
Click to expand...

On edit: I found a better picture, that accompanies this newspaper story.
 

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Countryboy

Countryboy

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:eek: Thats messed up. Those things don't have a safety cable of some sort to keep that from happening? :confused:
 
digger242j

digger242j

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The story doesn't mention that the cops wrote up the driver of the car for being overweight and having an unsecured load.... ;)
 
W

Wulf

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Canada
digger242j said:
The story doesn't mention that the cops wrote up the driver of the car for being overweight and having an unsecured load.... ;)
Click to expand...

When I first saw the picture it looked mighty suspicious... that big steel ball in the trunk... and wondered whether the guy was trying to steal it ;)
 
W

Wulf

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Canada
http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/4941.html

Countryboy said:
:eek: Thats messed up. Those things don't have a safety cable of some sort to keep that from happening? :confused:
Click to expand...

(a) The weight of the demolition ball shall not exceed 50 percent of the crane's rated load, based on the length of the boom and the angle of operation at which the demolition ball will be used, or its weight shall not exceed 25 percent of the nominal breaking strength of the line by which it is suspended, whichever results in a lesser value.

(b) The ball shall be attached to the load line with a swivel-type connection to prevent twisting of the load line and shall be attached by positive means in such a manner that the weight cannot become accidentally disconnected.

NOTE: The swing of the boom should not exceed 30 degrees from the centerline, front to back of the crane mounting.

(c) The load line and attachment of the demolition ball to the load line shall be checked at least twice each shift.
 
W

Wulf

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Canada
Suspect?

Marge: Homer, the plant called. They said if you don't show up tomorrow don't bother showing up on Monday.
Homer: Woo-hoo. Four-day weekend.
 

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DPete

DPete

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They're lucky nobody got hurt or killed. Imagine tring to explain that to your insurance guy. :beatsme DP
 
X

xkv8r

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Jan 1, 2008
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34
Location
nebraska
You would of thought they would have made room on the lowboy.Well at least they got it to the jobsite in one piece.
 
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