LOCAL NEWS

Operator injured after drill rig crashes in Salt Lake City’s State Street

Mar 15, 2022, 9:50 PM | Updated: Mar 16, 2022, 8:28 am

A crane fell across lanes of traffic on State Street in Salt Lake City at 200 South. One man was in...

A crane fell across lanes of traffic on State Street in Salt Lake City at 200 South. One man was injured. (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY — A drill rig fell across State Street at 200 South from a construction site on the corner that was home to a burger joint that was previously leveled.

The wreckage was still blocking southbound State Street lanes between 100 South and 200 South Wednesday morning.

Jacobsen Construction spokesperson Amy Christensen said a subcontractor was working on foundation drilling when the rig toppled into the road.

“All of the professionals who work on our sites are family, and their safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We are committed to learning as much about what caused this and taking proactive steps to ensure the continued safety at this project site,” Christensen said. Her full statement can be read at the bottom of this article.

Capt. Shaun Mumedy said the operator was the only person injured.

The operator was taken to an area hospital for leg and shoulder pain after falling approximately 20 feet. Christensen said the operator suffered a small back fracture, which is expected to heal with rest and not be a long-term health issue.

The falling crane landed on two unoccupied cars.

A crane crashed on State Street in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 (Jack Grimm) (Derek Petersen/KSL TV) (Derek Petersen/KSL TV) (Derek Petersen/KSL TV)

It is not yet known what caused the rig to topple but the incident is under investigation.

“We were very lucky,” Mumedy said. “Fortunately it was a Tuesday night in downtown Salt Lake and there wasn’t much going on as far as foot traffic right here in front of the construction site.”

Hazardous materials crews were on hand as a precaution.

Jill Wiscomb, who owns one of the crushed cars, said she left the Eccles Theater and saw all the flashing lights.

“My husband said, ‘I think that’s where I parked,’ and I said, ‘I think that’s my car that’s underneath that is smashed,” Wiscomb said. “It happened five minutes before we got there, so that was a little alarming.”

She said she has never seen anything like it.

Full statement from Jacobsen Construction spokesperson Amy Christensen:

“Concerning last night’s incident at our downtown SLC construction site, our top priority continues to be the wellbeing of our subcontracting drill rig operator with the Morris-Shea Bridge Co. who was preparing soil for further foundation work at the site when an equipment extension toppled into two southbound lanes on State Street.

“This morning, we are happy to report that the drill rig (not crane) operator’s supervisors have updated us on his condition this morning, and the report is good; he was diagnosed to have a small fracture in his lower back, and latest reports are that there will be no treatment other than rest, and that it is expected to heal in time and not be a long-term health issue.  He was said to be bruised and sore, but in good spirits. Some breaking broadcasts reported earlier that the rig operator was in critical or serious condition, which was fortunately not the case.

“Following the incident, we activated our response teams, which are trained and prepared for circumstances like this. We don’t yet have all the details of how this occurred but are suspending operations for 24 hours while gathering information for a safety investigation.

“We can also confirm that two unoccupied parked cars were impacted when the drill rig fell, with no injuries to anyone besides the drill rig operator. We are cooperating with authorities and doing everything we can to address the situation for those traveling on the impacted street. The equipment that fell into two southbound lanes of traffic on State Street will remain in place for 24 hours; traffic will be diverted during that time.

“Our construction and safety teams have been proactive in planning and providing ongoing training to help our workers to be as safe as possible as well as to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an incident like this. We are thorough in our planning, training, inspection and operation of rigs and cranes.

“Because downtown construction involves complex and sometimes delicate work, our company’s safety standards are more stringent than those set forth by most local, state and federal agencies as well as other construction companies. All of the professionals who work on our sites are part of our construction family, and their safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We are committed to learning as much about what caused this and taking proactive steps to ensure the continued safety at this project site.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

6 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

6 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

7 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

9 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

9 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Operator injured after drill rig crashes in Salt Lake City’s State Street