Crane tips over at Dallas Museum of Art, narrowly missing sculpture

A crane truck tipped over on Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Dallas Museum of Art, narrowly missing one of its most iconic sculptures.

The accident happened about 9:30 a.m. at the museum, where the crane could be seen resting on the roof of the museum — mere feet from “Ave,” sculptor Mark di Suvero’s red steel piece on the south lawn.

The museum issued a statement confirming that no sculptures were damaged in the accident. The crane was being used to set up a tent for the museum’s Art Ball on April 11.

“The south end of the Museum is closed until further notice,” the statement said, “but the Museum will open today maintaining normal business hours.”

A police officer at the scene said the crane operator was taken to Baylor University Medical Center, but early reports indicated his injuries were not serious.

“The operator was injured when the crane fell. He was ambulatory when the ambulance arrived on the scene,” the museum said. “Our primary concern is for the well-being of the crane operator, as well as the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers.”

The museum said it plans to move the crane by this afternoon.

James Walker was sitting in his truck waiting for the museum to open when the crane truck fell. He said the crane operator seemed to be fine.

“The man sitting inside bumped his head on the window,” he said. “I don’t think he got hurt that bad.”

Scharff Crane Rental declined to comment on the accident.

Workers could be seen removing another sculpture from the balcony underneath where the crane was resting.

Curious passers-by gathered at the corner of Harwood Street and Ross Avenue, marveling at the sight at the DMA.

“The latest exhibit of the DMA,” one man joked, as he walked by.

Jennifer Caveness, a trainer at Trophy Fitness across the street, was working with a client when she saw the truck fly up as the crane smashed into the roof of the building.

From the second floor gym, Caveness saw a handful of workers scatter away from the crane, she said.

“I know it’s Good Friday, but it’s a very bad Friday for them,” she said. “But as long as everyone is OK, it’s all good. Buildings can be fixed.”

 

Source: Naheed Rajwani, Dallas Morning News