Here's one for ya Christy.
2 guys doing a controller and cab mod in a refinery. Part of the mod was to install a new platform in the elevator. Had counterweights hung at the top. Rise about 250 feet.
New platform was a genuine SOB to get into place. They beat and banged on it for the better part of 2 hours, before getting it into place. They did NOT install the platform bolts.
Untied the counterweights, helper got on the car top iron to run the elevator down to get the mechanics tools off. Platform had around 3000 lbs. of concrete set on it to counterbalance not having a cab.
Mechanic out on the 1st floor telling helper to run the car down so he could get the tools off. As helper ran car down, Fire lintel caught the platform, flipped it out of the stiles, and dumped the 3000 lbs of concrete.
Helper rode that rig 250 feet straight up and was thrown into the ceiling with such force, fat cells were stuck to the ceiling and dripping oil for months.
Then he got the 250 ft. ride to the pit.
Of course he did not survive.
Was a halloween eve in the mid 80's.
I got to go to the job with the BA on Monday. I was the Steward for the company that the incedent happened. Was gut wrenching.
And the worse part was staring at the platform bolts not 10 feet away, sitting on a 55 gallon drum..
Last edited by Broke_Sheave; 03/30/12 02:50 AM.
