Navy crane fall investigation begins

An inquiry has begun today (Thursday) into how a crane fell onto the deck of an aircraft carrier two days ago.

The crane was attempting to pick up a cherry-picker, being used as part of refurbishment work on the ship, when the accident happened.

Four sailors were slightly injured and the crane driver hurt after the crane toppled onto the deck of HMS Invincible in Portsmouth harbour.

The driver, who was trapped in his cab for 90 minutes, remains in hospital with a head injury.

Engineers from the Health and Safety Executive are carrying out the investigation, which comes three weeks after the crane underwent an inspection, according to owner Fleet Support.

The ship was in the navy base for routine maintenance work.