Alan Justad Among 4 Dead in Crane Collapse on Mercer Street [Seattle, WA]

Alan Justad Killed When Crane Crashes Down on Mercer Street Near Fairview Avenue North

 
SEATTLE, WA (May 1, 2019) – A retired Seattle City employee died when a crane collapsed on Mercer Street near Fairview Avenue North last Saturday.
 
The King County medical examiner’s office identified Alan Justad as one of the last four fallen victims in Saturday’s debacle.
 
Around 3:30 p.m., Justad was reportedly sitting in traffic along Mercer Street when the unthinkable happened.
 
According to officials, workers were dismantling a crane on Google’s new Seattle campus when it suddenly crashed down under unknown circumstances. Tragically, a portion of the crane split from the breadth of metal and landed on Justad’s vehicle.
 
The 71-year-old former city employee took part in Mayor Mike McGinn’s administration as deputy director. He was also a father of three who lost his wife nearly four years ago. Now, a bed of flowers rests where his home is in memory of his life.
 
Along with Justad, Seattle Pacific University student, Sarah Wong, died as well. She, too, was in her car with a friend, who escaped injury.
 
Ironworkers – 31-year-old Andrew Yoder, of North Bend, Wash., and 33-year-old Travis Corbet of Oregon – also perished as they attempted to disassemble the crane.
 
According to news reports, all deaths were ruled accidental.
 
Timothy Galarnyk, a construction safety expert, said human error over structural or mechanical failure may have caused this incident.
 
According to trial attorney David L. Kwass, pins connecting the crane components may have been removed earlier on, contributing to the fall. Kwass further adds that those pins were not supposed to pop out until all sections were under control.
 
To add to the enormity, wind gusts of 18 to 23 mph were present at the time, which may have precipitated the collapse.
 
However, the ultimate cause is still unclear, as five companies are under investigation. The factors contributing to the collapse have not been confirmed, as everything is conjecture.

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With deepest sympathies, our law group would like to express our well and warm wishes to everyone who knew Alan Justad.

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The Sweet Law Group understands your distress and would like to speak with you concerning your situation. Because the loss of a loved one is insurmountable, settling with the circumstances may seem like your only option. However, we disagree. Call (800) 674 7852 to file a wrongful death claim. While you rehabilitate, we’ll handle your case and ensure you acquire full compensation and justice. It’s not too late.