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Fatal Crane Accident in Rochester, New York: Man Dies from Crush Syndrome

Posted on Sep 01, 2011

On Wednesday, August 31^st, a crane operator at a Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. hydroelectric dam was pinned under the cab of the crane when it tipped on it's side during a construction accident. More than 50 rescuers including firefighters, other construction workers and medical personnel worked for over three hours to save Douglas Fitzmaurice - but he died once freed from the crane from crush syndrome.

Crush Syndrome is a medical condition in which blood flow is cut off to portions of the person's body due to extreme weight - in this case, the weight of the crane on the man. The lack of blood flow causes cells to die, which creates toxins in the body. When the weight is removed from the person, blood and toxins rush throughout the body to the uninjured areas, and cause shock, organ failure, and ultimately - death.

In this crane accident, the crane was submerged at the bottom of an incline at the dam, holding the crane in place. When the crane tipped over, rescue workers had to move equipment ove ra foot bridge to the scene of the accident, and use ropes to lower it down to the cab of the crane. A system of rig cables and ropes were attached to the crane to start moving it over the injured man, to try and keep the crane from sliding or re-falling on the man as they lifted it off him. Andrew Lonthair, head of the Rochester Fire Department's special operations unit said they tried every tactic possible to free the man safely. Rescue workers described the scene as one fo the more difficult accidents they've worked on and despite their efforts, unfortunately, crush syndrome resulted in the man's death.

Fitzmaurice was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:15pm, and the death was ruled an accident. Federal officials and OSHA are investigating the accident. If Rochester Gas and Electric is liable for violations, they will be fined. A serious violation could result in a $7,000 fine while a willful violation could be as high as $70,000. OSHA has six months to investigate.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crane accident, you should consult with an expert in worker's compensation cases. Contact our office today at (866) 205-2415 for a free consultation.