Authorities warn chaos caused by leaning crane could last until the weekend

Emergency crews are racing to stabilise a dangerously leaning crane in Sydney’s northwest, with authorities warning the chaos could drag on into the weekend.

Hundreds of residents remain displaced and major traffic disruptions are expected to continue into the weekend as emergency crews race to stabilise a dangerously leaning crane in Sydney’s northwest.

Pennant Hills Rd became blocked between Marsden and Jenkins Rds in Carlingford after a crane broke off its mounting support over the major arterial road on Wednesday afternoon.

All 350 workers were ordered to evacuate the Meriton work site just after 3pm amid fears the crane could tip over.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has confirmed about 200 residents from nearby unit blocks have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Police confirmed evacuated residents have been rehoused as they expect the disruption could be ongoing into Saturday.

“Police are assisting with trying to resolve what is a public safety issue,” Superintendent Naomi Moore said on Thursday.

“The attempt today will be to stabilise the crane and look to once stabilised dismantle it,

“It will be ongoing and I suspect potentially through Saturday morning.”

Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area, as more high winds are forecast on Thursday.

Crews working to stabilise the crane are bracing for strong wind with gusts of up to 59km/h hour forecast.

“We do have a lot of wind in the area at this time,” FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.

“Some of the risks are that if the crane does collapse it can bounce or ricochet, so we’re just having all precautions.”

It is believed the emergency was triggered when two anchor pins failed, with strong winds that ripped through the city on Wednesday thought to have played a role.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Carlingford work site on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Engineers are battling strong winds as they attempt to stabilise the crane. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Images of the crane show its top half – or its “arm” – hanging horizontally alongside other cranes, which have theirs pointed upwards.

The situation caused widespread disruption on Wednesday, including bringing traffic to a standstill.

Pennant Hills Road remains closed as of Thursday morning, with fears Sydneysiders are in for another nightmare commute.

Traffic was already starting to be build in the area from 7.30am.

Traffic is backed up as Pennant Hills rd remains closed. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

NSW Police said the ongoing closure was “due to a hazard”.

“Local diversions are in place. Motorists should follow directions of police and traffic crews on site. Motorists should also allow extra travel time,” a spokesman said.

“Local buses are also diverting away from Pennant Hills Road, missing several stops.”

Businesses near the site remain closed.

More to come

Originally published as Authorities warn chaos caused by leaning crane could last until the weekend