OSHA investigating deadly Pinellas crane accident ♦ Palm Harbor ♦ Paramedics ♦ Deputies on the scene ♦ Home Port Marina

PINELLAS COUNTY— An investigation is expected to continue today into what caused a crane to topple over Monday in a deadly accident in Palm Harbor. The crane fell over at the Home Port Marina just before 6 p.m., killing the 71-year-old operator. Preliminary details indicated that the crane fell over on its side, throwing the crane operator from his seat. Paramedics said the crane operator, from Tarpon Springs, suffered severe head injuries. He died at the scene.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies said representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation into the accident. Officials said the investigation, which may center on the crane and how much weight it may have been lifting, could take up to a week.

This crane collapse was not the first one here in Florida. Last month, a crane toppled over at the new Orlando Magic arena. No one was hurt in that crash. Also, last year in south Florida, a crane collapsed in Pompano Beach in Broward County. Crews were working on a baseball facility at the time. No one was injured.