Alimak experts ‘at disposal’ of investigators after construction hoist accident kills five

Five people have died in an accident involving a construction hoist at a jobsite on the outskirts of Sweden’s capital Stockholm.

Sweden’s Prosecution Authority is investigating the incident, which happened on Monday (11 December).

A technical investigation of the site in Sundbyberg is currently underway.

The accident involved an Alimak Scando 650 lift used to transport passengers and materials at height.

Commenting on the accident, Ole Kristian Jødahl, CEO of Alimak Group, said, “This is a deeply tragic event and difficult to grasp. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the people involved and their families. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation to determine what caused the accident.

“We are saddened by this incident. In the 20 years that this model has been in use, we have never experienced anything like this. Alimak has put a team of experts at the disposal of the investigation to determine the course of events and find the cause of the accident”

Alimak said that on installation of the hoist, a safety protocol is provided with clear instructions. “The protocol also includes daily safety checks to ensure the lift is working as intended before it is put into service,” it added.

Meanwhile, Johan Lindholm, chairman of Swedish construction union Byggnads, expressed his sympathy for relatives of those killed. He said, “It is a terribly tragic workplace accident. I have not experienced anything like it.

“It is now incredibly important that the accident is investigated so that we can get clarity on what happened.”