March 20, 2013
England

Probe after crane falls at wind farm

By David Sharman | The Gazette | 20 March 2013 | www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Safety chiefs are investigating after a crane fell to the ground on the site of a controversial wind farm.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is looking into the incident, which happened on land outside Eagland Hill, near Pilling.

The land is owned by REG Windpower, which is in the process of constructing the £5.5m Orchard End wind farm.

The incident occurred during the construction of two giant wind turbines at the site.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: “We are investigating the incident.

“No-one was injured as far as we know.”

Coun Vivien Taylor, who represents Pilling on Lancashire County Council, said it would be inappropriate for her to comment on the investigation because not enough detail about the circumstances had been released yet.

However, she said: “I’m just thankful no-one was injured.”

REG Windpower’s communications manager Ian Lawrence said: “We had a problem with part of a crane while it was being moved and it was not involved with lifting.

“No-one was injured and there was no damage to any thing outside the wind farm site.

“We are grateful for the patience local residents have shown throughout the project and aim to complete the work without significant delay.”

The turbine scheme was given the green light in December 2010 but had previously caused controversy after several legal challenges by a local pressure group, known as the Eagland Hill Action Group.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/20/probe-after-crane-falls-at-wind-farm/