The prosecutor investigates the circumstances of the accident which occurred in Łódź last Friday. The crane knocked down at the construction site of OFF Piotrkowska at Roosevelt Street. Its operator was taken to the hospital with extensive injuries. Unfortunately, a 23-year-old man died from the injuries. The inquiry into the criminal offence of causing a situation that may threat life and health of many people as well as substantially valuable assets is ongoing. Due to the death of the 23-year-old man, we may talk about a crime punishable by deprivation of liberty for a period up to 8 years. Furthermore, this case is being investigated in respect of accident at work – it is to be determined whether all necessary OSH requirements were provided – says Krzysztof Kopania, Press Secretary of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Łódź.
The crime scene was investigated by the prosecutor, the police, the expert from Łódź University of Technology, who specializes in construction of cranes, the representatives of Labor Inspectorate, the technical supervision and the expert in OSH. For instance, it was determined whether the crane’s arm did not clip the elements of the building. For the purpose of the proceeding, the broken pivot connecting the construction elements of the crane, which cut into the roof of the adjacent building during the event, was secured as well as the documentation related to the construction. Moreover, the witnesses were interrogated and the recordings from the moment of the accident, which were made available online, were obtained – says Krzysztof Kopania.
According to the findings, the crane was reviewed and there were no objections related to its technical condition. For the purpose of determining the causes of this tragedy, the expert’s opinion would be helpful. It will be prepared after finalization of interrogation, examination and more detailed surveys. At present, we cannot say whether the accident was a consequence of human error, equipment malfunction or mistakes made during carrying the crane up – adds Krzysztof Kopania, Press Secretary of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Łódź.