HSE to investigate crane accident

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating a freak accident which left a teenage girl severely injured after being crushed by a crane which had been left unattended in a lay-by near Onneley, Staffs.

Karen Parry, 19, suffered severe head and spinal injuries after the jib of the crane plunged 15 feet, pinning her to an earthbank. Parry had been taking a photo of her boyfriend Andrew Farr, who had climbed into the cab of the crane. The jib fell after Farr accidentally knocked a pedal as he leapt from the cab.

Telford police said this week that the crane, which belongs to Eustace John Reeves of Bishops Offley, Eccleshall, had been parked in the lay-by for 'at least a few days'. Police have since taken the crane away for tests following the accident.

An HSE spokesman confirmed this week that it will be investigating the accident.