One hurt in crash

A CRANE operator received a broken arm and rib injuries when the machinery he was trialling crashed in Induna St, South Grafton, yesterday afternoon.

The worker was one of two people testing a four-year-old crane bought by Big River Steel and delivered on Monday.

Big River Steel owner John Stephenson said two of his staff were checking the crane's capabilities against charted specifications when it tipped onto its side.

As it tipped, outriggers - which are used to stabilise the crane - gave way and slid through to the opposing side to the load.

The crane had a 40m boom that fell heavily and bent as it hit the ground behind the factory.

Mr Stephenson said the incident could have been much worse.

A worker in a neighbouring business said everything was quiet when he heard an almighty crash as the boom hit the ground.