Unite ‘seeking answers’ over double-death crane tragedy
The union Unite is seeking urgent answers following the crane collapse in Crewe which killed two workers and injured several other people.
The accident happened on Wednesday (June 21) at Dunwoody Way in Crewe on a residential construction site operated by Bolton-based constructor Seddon. It is understood that a small tower crane which was being erected collapsed.
Unite national officer for construction Bernard McAulay, said: “At this time our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the workers killed or injured in this terrible accident.
“We are currently examining if any of the victims were members of Unite and if so, we will do everything industrially and legally to achieve justice for them.
“Workers on construction sites throughout the UK will now have serious questions and concerns about the safety of similar cranes. It is imperative that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigates and as a matter of urgency provides advice and reassurance to ensure that similar accidents cannot and will not happen again.”
The fatal accident in Crewe coincided with Unite publishing the findings of a Freedom of Information request to the HSE which revealed that the number of inspections in construction had declined by 14% in the last 12 months. Inspections in the North West declined by 5%.
Seddon have been asked to comment by TheBusinessDesk.
Meanwhile, councillors from Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council have laid flowers near to the site on Dunwoody Way.
Cllr Paul Bates, cabinet member for finance and communities at Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Council leader Simon Yates and Crewe Mayor Diane Yates laid flowers as a mark of their respect.
Cllr Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of this tragic incident. My sincere condolences go out to the families affected by this and I hope to write to them personally.
“As a result of the crane collapse, a residential property was damaged. I can confirm that officers from Civicance, a wholly-owned company of Cheshire East Council which provides building control services, did attend the scene at the request of the emergency services to assess the damage.
“The occupants of that property have made alternative living arrangements while the investigation into the incident continues.”
Cllr Yates said: “Our sympathies and deepest condolences go to the friends and families of those affected by this tragic incident on Dunwoody Way, in Crewe, on Wednesday.
“We also extend our special thanks to the emergency services whose dedication and professionalism has been amazing.”
