• Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About Us
    1. Topical
    2. Safety & Security

    Operator killed when crane hits power line in Florida

    Aug. 24, 2023
    Police arrived to find Kester Gittens on the ground and the cab on fire.
    Picjumbo
    Emergency Picjumbo 64e773e5bb0ec

    A crane operator died when the boom of an all terrain crane touched electric power lines in Palm Bay, Florida, setting the cab on fire. Video of the scene shows the telescoping boom lying across power lines near a residential building under construction.

    According to local news reports, Kester Gittens, 34, was killed. The crane was lifting roof trusses when it touched the lines. 

    According to the reports, fire department responders arrived to find Gittens on the ground and the cab on fire. 

    Watch the WESH News report.

    About the Author

    Rod Sutton

    Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001. 

    Our mission is to help managers of heavy equipment and trucks to improve their performance in acquiring and managing their fleets. One way we do that is with our Executive Institute, where experts share information and ideas that will enable equipment managers to accurately manage equipment costs so that they can deliver the optimum financial benefits to their organizations.

    We also have a laser focus on product development, performance, and technology; as well as equipment acquisition, disposal, and maintenance. Our exclusive Field Tests take earthmoving equipment and truck into the field for professional evaluations.

    Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

    You can find Sutton on LinkedIn.

    Email