Investigation into Docklands crane incident

Investigators were tonight probing how a crane overturned injuring a construction worker at a multi-million euro redevelopment at Dublin Docklands.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and contractor Michael McNamara and Company have launched separate inquiries into the incident at the Point Village.

One man was injured and two others taken to hospital for observation when the crawler crane collapsed shortly before 9am at the quayside construction site which is undergoing a €850m transformation.

The driver of the crane was among those treated by medics.

Major traffic disruption was caused in the area when emergency services, including three units of Dublin Fire Brigade, a specialist crew, ambulances and gardaí, closed one lane of traffic to clear the scene.

The HSA said its investigators launched an investigation immediately and remained at the scene throughout the day. Gardaí are also assisting with their enquiries.

Meanwhile, Michael McNamara and Company said it is also examining the cause of the incident.

"An incident involving a crawler crane occurred at the Point Village site shortly before 9am this morning resulted in injuries to one man," said a company statement.

"The man who was not seriously injured was taken to hospital and two other men were also taken to hospital for observation. The incident is being investigated by the company and the Health & Safety Authority were notified immediately."

The Point Village in Dublin's Docklands is set to become a world class business and cultural hub for the capital, according to developers.

It will feature O2, the former Point Depot music venue which will open in December, a 300,000 square foot retail unit, a hotel and two skyscrapers either side of the Liffey, the Watchtower and U2 Tower.