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Crane Tips During Cotuit Tree Work After Outrigger Sinks Into Abandoned Cesspool

OSHA has opened an investigation into the unmarked cesspool that undermined the crane.

Overview

  • A crane doing tree work in Cotuit, which toppled Thursday around 8:30 a.m., left the operator and a crew member unhurt.
  • An outrigger used to steady the crane sank into an abandoned, unmarked cesspool that the homeowners did not know about.
  • The fully extended boom fell between two houses about 20 feet apart, crushed a deck, and came to rest on Main Street near 801.
  • Crews secured utilities and closed Main Street between Coolidge Street and Old Shore Road, then lifted the crane around 4:30 p.m.
  • OSHA is now reviewing the incident, highlighting how old, unmapped cesspools on Cape Cod properties can destabilize heavy equipment.