Published: Saturday, May 10, 2008

Runaway crane crashes in Tacoma

No one was hurt, but the accident left a big mess behind.

By Stacey Mulick
The News Tribune

A mobile crane lost control in downtown Tacoma on Friday afternoon and crashed into a light pole and trees, Tacoma police and fire reported.

"No injuries," Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said. "It's just a big mess."

According to reports, the crane's brakes may have failed and it rolled downhill at S. 15th Street, near the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, about 1 p.m.

The crane stayed upright but hit several trees and power lines.

"It stayed on its wheels," Tacoma fire Lt. David Elmer said.

The crane came to rest on the Interstate 705 offramp to S. 15th Street.

Crews closed the offramp as the incident was investigated and cleaned up.

© 2008The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA