The two victims in Saturday’s crane accident are now known. Thomas Fairbrother, Jr. 58 and Terry Weaver, 50, were both working on the crane when it came crashing down. The crane was being used in the construction of a 155,000 square foot Arts and Technology facility on the Dallas campus of University of Texas. The crane itself was in the process of being dismantled when it collapsed and landed on the partially constructed building.
Federal agents responded immediately to the scene Saturday to determine the cause of the accident. Nothing is conclusive, but a strong wind storm that came through this weekend is said to have been a contributing factor. Wind gusts through the work site reached speeds of 40 mph.
Harrison Crane and Hoist, a Scottsdale, Arizona based subcontracting company is working with OSHA officials to determine if there was any negligence that contributed to the accident. The company has no history of violations or severe accidents. Hunt Construction Group released a statement saying: “Hunt Construction Group and all parties involved with the construction of the project are working closely with OSHA and the local authorities during the ongoing investigation.”
The University resumed classes on Monday, but all construction has been halted until investigations are done and a plan is developed for the crane removal. Students of UT Dallas have started meeting to find a way to support the families of Terry Weaver and Thomas Fairbrother, Jr.
Terry Weaver was a father and a grandfather from Grand Saline, Texas. He held two jobs, one as an iron worker full time and the other was dismantling construction cranes. Memorial services for Terry Weaver are planned for Thursday, July 12th. Thomas Fairbrother, Jr. was from Austin, Texas. No information regarding his service has been released. Two iron beams, signed by the construction workers, were raised over the site with an American flag as a memorial. Support links will be posted as soon as they are made available.