Gilbane suspends work on Cape Canaveral site after fatal crane incident

The accident happened on the site of the new $410 million Cape Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island.

Work started on the 268,000 sq ft hospital and a 92,000 sq ft medical office building in 2024, with completion originally scheduled for 2026.

Gilbane Building Company is leading construction works on the project.

Images of the scene suggest it was a 250 tonne capacity Manitowoc 999 lattice boom crawler crane involved in the incident. Another vehicle also appeared to have been crushed by the collapsed boom.

The cause of the incident on 4 June is not yet known, although there were reported to be rain and strong winds in the area at the time the crane collapsed.

In a statement issued to Construction Briefing, a spokesperson for Gilbane said, “Yesterday afternoon, two trade contract workers, one employed by Baker Concrete and the other by another trade contractor, were fatally injured as a result of an incident involving a crane. We share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and co-workers.

“The site is secure, and work is currently suspended. We are supporting our trade contractors and working with them and the authorities on an active investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.”