Big Dig Worker Injured In Crane Collapse

BOSTON -- A man working on the Big Dig was injured when a crane collapsed and rolled into the channel Wednesday morning.

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Kelley Tuthill Reports On Accident

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that Scott Billingsley, 36, of Saugus, Mass., was operating the crane at about 7 a.m. at the corner of Albany and Herald streets near the 4th Street Bridge. The machine slid on black ice and fell into the channel.

"For some reason, it toppled over and rolled into the water," Boston Fire Department spokesman Jamie Galarza said.

Billingsley was doing pier removal work when the crane slipped.

"The operator was doing some work up on the wall. The crane had slipped into the water and turned upside down. The operator was stuck in the cage under the water. At that time, the tide was higher. There happened to be four divers that were here working on this site, completely separate from the crane, who witnessed the crane tipping into the water. One of the divers jumped into the water to rescue the crane operator and pulled him out," Massachusetts State Police Lt. Gary Bearfield said.

He was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition. His father said that he ingested some salt water.

"I believe when he left he was conscious. I am optimistic that his condition is positive," Galarza said.

Crews put booms around the crane. Officials were concerned about the 240 gallons of hydraulic fluid, diesel fluid and antifreeze that was leaking into the harbor.

The accident remained under investigation. The crane is owned and operated by Testa Corp.