Tragedy Remembered: 25 Years Since the Miller Park Crane Collapse
A Somber Anniversary
July 14th, 2023, marks the 25th anniversary of a tragic event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: the Miller Park crane collapse. Three ironworkers lost their lives on that fateful day in 1998.
Honoring the Victims
The victims of the collapse were Jeffrey Wischer, 40, William DeGrave, 39, and Jerome Starr, 52. Their memory is honored with a memorial at Miller Park.
Details of the Collapse
The collapse occurred during the construction of Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
A federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) official was present and recorded the incident on video.
The collapse was caused by a failure in the crane's hydraulic system.
Impact on the Community
The tragedy had a profound impact on the Milwaukee community.
It raised concerns about safety in construction and prompted OSHA to launch an investigation.
The collapse also led to changes in industry standards and regulations.
Lessons Learned
The Miller Park crane collapse serves as a reminder of the importance of:
- Adhering to safety protocols
- Ensuring proper maintenance of heavy machinery
- Providing adequate training for workers
Sources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 25th anniversary of Miller Park crane collapse
- OSHA: Press release on crane collapse
- Find a Grave: Jeffrey Wischer memorial
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