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Toppled Crane Kills Onlooker

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The Associated Press

Published: July 25, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY - Church members watching the steeple being raised on their new building looked on in horror Thursday as a crane holding the structure toppled, crushing a car and killing a 79-year-old man who had been watching from inside the vehicle, firefighters said.

The man's 78-year-old wife, who was also in the car, was transported to a hospital in good condition, officials said.

A group of people had gathered in southwest Oklahoma City to watch the installation when the crane collapsed in the parking lot, said Deputy Fire Chief Cecil Clay.

The state medical examiner's office identified the victim as Winfred Stafford of Oklahoma City. Joe Hancock, Grace Assembly of God pastor, said Stafford and his wife were longtime church members.

"Just great people," Hancock said. "It's just a huge loss."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the state Labor Department and the owner of the crane, Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co., were to investigate.

Jeff Latture, Barnhart senior vice president, said it had been years since the company had an accident. "We are very upset about this and certainly are concerned about families involved," he said.

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