Narrow escape for workers and residents after giant crane collapses on building site in centre of Navan

Residents and workers in the Emmet Terrace/Brews Hill area of Navan had a very narrow escape when the arm of a giant crane being used in the construction of social housing units snapped while carrying a loaded skip crashed to the ground.

Gardai have confirmed that no injuries were reported and that Emmet Terrace remains closed to traffic while specialist lifting equipment removes the collapsed crane.

Construction work had been in progress on a site off Emmet Terrace to the rear of properties on Brews Hill and it is understood that part of the crane can be seen embedded in one of the new builds.

The skip being moved by the crane snapped and fell crushing a van parked in the laneway accessing the site. It is believed workmen had been in the vehicle moments earlier.

The steel arm of the stricken crane crashed through the rear wall of an Emmet Tce house, destroying the garden but miraculously stopping just short of the causing major structural damage.

The uppermost part of the static crane arm could be seen embedded in window frames of the housing development.

It's understood that some local businesses and homes suffered temporary power and broadband outages as a result of wires being hit in the crane collapse.

Meath County Council is currently developing 12 social housing units at the site in a mix of one bed and two bed apartment and duplex apartments.

Tammy Dunne, whose mother lives in the house next door to the back garden where the crane came down, told RTE the collapse sounded like an explosion.

"There is a small furniture factory in the back garden of the house next door and the two lads had just got out of their van and went into the factory.

"The skip fell on the van and if the two lads had still been in it, they surely would have been killed."

Meath County Council has issued the following statement in relation to the incident:

"Meath County Council is aware of an incident involving a crane that occurred at a building site at Emmet Terrace/Brews Hill.

Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene. No injuries have been reported at this time.

"The Council is engaging with the contractors in relation to this incident."