Crane Breaks Free, Rolls Down Street

No one injured

James Lynch, jlynch@tribune.com & Christine Umayam,

May 9, 2008, 10:13 PM PDT

TACOMA — In downtown Tacoma Friday afternoon a mobile crane somehow went out of control, careening down a busy street.

It happened at the corner of South 15th and Pacific Avenue near I-705.

The crane was on the wrong side of the street, passed through a busy intersection, yet surprisingly no one was hurt.

Police say the brakes of crane failed and it started rolling down the street.

It hit trees, a power pole and a traffic signal.

No injuries have been reported and witnesses say that is a miricle.

Dave Nicandri witnessed the crash. He says; "I hear this tremendous roar of what sounds like a freight train coming down the hill... that thing rolled at least three blocks and not a single person is hurt."