500-ton crane topples in Washington

A crane brought in to help deal with damage caused by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Washington near the National Cathedral has toppled over during a thunderstorm.

The crane was carrying a heavy load of steel when the driver noticed lightning and decided he needed to move the crane into a safer position: without the arm being up. As he started to lower the steel the center of gravity of the crane shifted and it flipped over.

The driver was injured, but not too severely. There doesn't seem to be any other victims, but 3 cars were damaged as was a small building called Herb Cottage that offers gifts for the National Cathedral.

At the moment it's unclear why the crane flipped as it did. The weather conditions were very bad with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. The other problem now is President Obama is set to speak at the Cathedral this weekend to remember 9/11. No one knows if that is still going to go ahead.

Source:  Tucone