Could Cameras Have Prevented the Canadian Grand Prix Crane Accident?

Race Track

In June of 2013, a Canadian Grand Prix marshal was killed at the end of a Formula One race, when he was ran over by a mobile crane. Crane Accidents shares, “The International Automobile Federation (FIA) released a statement saying the marshal, a member of the Notre Dame Automobile Club, had died in a Montreal hospital from the injuries he sustained. The marshal died while removing the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez, who crashed out on lap 63. The FIA did not identify the marshal but said he was “’the victim of an unfortunate accident…The worker was helping to recover a car which had stopped during the race,’” said the statement.”

The report went on the explain that, “The recovery vehicle had lifted the car to return it to the pits and while doing this the worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up. As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle.” The marshal was taken by helicopter to Montreal’s Sacre-Coeur hospital to be treated, but later died from his injuries.

It was the first time that a marshal had been killed at a Formula One race in twelve years, and it was devastating to fans, family, friends, and others. Another marshal was killed just 6 months prior, however, at an Italian Gran Prix. These deaths caused a review of track safety at such race tracks. There are many precautions taken at these locations which are meant to ensure the safety of those present. But could HoistCam’s cameras on cranes have prevented this type of accident?

HoistCam’s cameras on cranes are designed to install quickly and bring line of sight to the crane operator in situations where he would not normally have it. The report says that the “telehandler lifted the stricken car and then reversed behind the barrier, but struck the man en route.” In situations such as this one, cameras on crane would likely increase the line of vision of the crane operator to the point that he could have seen the marshal in the path of his lift.

Sadly, HoistCam’s cameras on cranes was not an option at the time of this accident. But they are now. By adding cameras to the crane, you can add safety, efficiency, and line of sight to the entire lift and every load.