Trio in crane accident wait for court date

The three companies being prosecuted by the Heath and Safety Executive after a crane jib fell through the roof of a Hounslow home while the occupants were still asleep will have to wait a little longer before they know their fate.

The crane collapsed in the early hours of 28 June 1998 at Boston Manor Underground station and led to a one-day closure of the Piccadilly line in order to remove the crane.

London Underground, which commissioned the work; Baldwins Industrial Services, which supplied the crane; and contractor Tilbury Douglas appeared at Feltham Magistrates Court last Friday (2 June). However, the cases against both LU and Tilbury will now be heard in Crown Court at a date and venue yet to be decided, while Baldwins pleaded not guilty and will be subject to a committal hearing on 23 June.