Construction Crane fell on a couple of cars at Jalan Binjai

At around noon today, 9th February 2012, a construction crane from Menara Binjai fell on to a couple of cars at Jalan Binjai, off Jalan Ampang – next to Intercontinental Hotel and Menara Citibank. I heard a loud bang but did not go out to check. Only when I heard the loud siren of the fire truck, I decided to get out and have a look.

As Malaysians are, the crowd started forming very quickly and most were already taking pictures on their mobile phones.

 

Crane fell on a couple of cars at Jalan Binjai, next to Citibank. Road closed.http://bit.ly/x7eGbW #klrb #kltu

— Winnie Chen-Head (@winniekepala) February 9, 2012

I also tweeted this with a picture, which was subsequently retweeted by a few other.

The building in question is Menara Binjai, which is an office building right behind the Ampang Park LRT. The crane was hovering at the top of the building. The police started barricading and closing the road to on-going traffic.

The biggest damage to a Proton Wira (I think) parked directly under the crane. Illegally parked, mind you, just beside the construction site barrier.

UPDATE : Commenter Lee pointed out that this Proton Wira belonged to one of the contractors on the site. Poor guy.

UPDATE2: The maroon Proton Satria next to it were damaged at the rear.

The secondary damage was to a brand new Lexus which was parked across the street. Illegally as well. Parts of the crane hit the first Proton, scrap metals bounced off and hit this unfortunate Lexus.

UPDATE3 : The Star report here (provided by commenter Ngtitao) cited that the Lexus is a Toyota Harrier that was hit while in motion.

The damage on the road of both cars. The piece in the middle is a metal sheet. The force of the fall was so strong that that piece of metal sheet was embedded into the tarmac on the road.

The police crime scene tapes to block off pedestrians from stepping too close. Apparently, there were still bits falling off from the crane at the top floor of the building.

The firemen were just standing around inspecting the damage for awhile. I guess they must be waiting for CSI to arrive before they can move the “evidence”.

The owner of the Lexus came out about 3 hours after the accident. I suspect he must have the biggest shock of his life. He proceeded to remove his belongings from his now damaged car. No news on the owner of the most damaged Proton.

The crane in question, I think.

 

It’s now almost 4 pm and the clean-up crew is working on removing the damaged cars and scrapnel on the road.

Come rush hour traffic time, I doubt the road will be open to public. I suggest those working in town to avoid Jalan Binjai, off Jalan Ampang next to Menara Citibank. Find alternative routes, OK?

Moral of the story : DON’T PARK ILLEGALLY!!! ESPECIALLY NEXT TO A CONSTRUCTION SITE!!!

UPDATE4 : Apologies for errors in my original posts. My post was based on bystanders’ account and not verified facts by any authorities. I should have stated this clearer.