NTSB preliminary report on the I-35W bridge collapse

The NTSB has released the preliminary report on the I-35 bridge collapse. The report is available on line at the NTSB website.
The report point out to a design or drafting error on the gusset plate design. The gusset was only half an inch thick instead of the one inch required. I think everybody should read it and reflect on the lessons we can learn.

Eleven dead in SW China crane accident

There has been a serious accident in a bridge in China. The Furongjiang Bridge near Chongquing, in southwest China, is under construction and there was an accident in which 11 workers were killed and 12 injured. There is very little information available, but it seems that a container carrying the workers was moved by a 'crane" when one of the lines broke and the container fell.

From the available photos it would appear that the bridge had a high line system to crane materials and workers on the site. High line systems are used wherever conventional crane access is not practicable. So most likely it was not a crane but the system what failed and caused the accident. The container (second photograph) does not look much more than an old skip.

Whenever I find about any such accident, my mind starts racing, thinking about what the possible causes were and how I am going to prevent anything similar from happening on any job I am involved with. Unfortunately accidents do happen however, bridge construction is a dangerous business!

There are several news reports on this accicent. This one is the best.