Crane Working On Kaw Lake Dam Falls Into Lake

NewsOn6.com

KAW LAKE, Oklahoma -- A crane working on spillway gates at Kaw Lake dam in north central Oklahoma has fallen into the lake.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the crane tipped over as it was lifting a piece of equipment on the top of the dam at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Officials say the crane's operator was able to climb out of the cab before the crane slid into the water.  He was not injured.

Because of the accident, the Corps of Engineers says the roadway across the dam is closed until further notice.

The dam is located just east of Ponca City in Kay County.

Corps officials say a contractor is replacing cables on one of the tainter gates in the dam.  The Corps says it owns the crane.