close

Construction worker from Cape Coral injured in vehicle/crane accident

1 min read

A Cape Coral construction worker was hospitalized over the weekend after an accident in South Fort Myers.

On Saturday, James Emanual Powers, 71, of Jacksonville, was driving an automobile transporter east on Terminal Access Road in the inside lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The outside lane was closed for construction being done on the overpass at Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.

At about 11 a.m., the front left corner of the semitrailer and the left side of the automobile hauler collided with the underneath portion of an extended boom crane on site for the construction.

The FHP reported that the boom crane rotated as a result of the collision.

The crane operator, Charles Steven Gibbard, 46, was thrown from his protective harness and the raised basket he was in onto the roadway.

He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital.

As of Tuesday, Gibbard was listed in serious condition, according to officials.

The accident is under investigation.