Crane failure caused by computer glitch drops sausage cart in Holstebro

A previously undetected computer fault in a crane deactivated a safety stop, causing the crane arm to lift at an unsustainable angle and collapse, dropping a sausage cart in central Holstebro, crane company BMS has determined.

The cart, weighing about 1,750 kg, was crushed in the fall near a busy intersection, though no one was injured. The area was closed for hours. The cart was intended for use at a first-floor construction site for a celebration event.

BMS confirmed the crane operator followed all procedures correctly and had no knowledge of the system failure. The company has inspected other cranes of the same type and found no further issues.

Director Kim Knudsen said the incident stemmed from a rare system error, prompting a review of procedures. The company is sharing findings openly to improve industry safety.