News Summary
A crane accident occurred at a construction site for a Meta data center in Aiken County, damaging a parked pickup truck but causing no injuries. DPR Construction is investigating the cause of the incident, emphasizing safety protocols. Despite community concerns about development, the Meta project is expected to generate economic benefits and job creation in the area.
Graniteville, S.C. – A crane accident occurred on Wednesday at a construction site for a Meta data center in Aiken County, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident involved the crane’s boom, which fell and crushed the front end of a white pickup truck parked nearby.
The accident took place at Sage Mill Industrial Park, where the significant $800 million investment for the Meta data center is underway. DPR Construction, the company managing the construction, confirmed the incident and announced that an investigation into the cause of the accident is currently in progress. They reassured the public that the safety of all personnel on-site remains their top priority.
The crane’s boom fell at approximately 10 a.m., leading to immediate safety protocols being implemented. Despite the damage to the vehicle, no workers were harmed during this event, highlighting the effectiveness of safety measures in place at the site.
Construction on the Meta data center is part of a larger project by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, which is expected to provide significant economic benefits to the local community. Once completed, the facility is projected to create around 100 jobs in the area, contributing to employment opportunities and economic growth within the region.
The construction site has garnered attention not only for its scale and investment but also due to the surrounding community’s concerns about development in the area. North Augusta residents have expressed opposition to a separate project known as the “Bluegrass Place,” proposed for a nearby 51-acre lot. Community members have voiced their concerns regarding potential traffic, environmental impact, and changes to the character of the area as both projects move forward.
In the aftermath of the crane accident, DPR Construction is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors that led to the incident, with the aim of enhancing safety measures and preventing future occurrences. The company has stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
The Meta data center project at Sage Mill Industrial Park represents a significant commitment to technology and infrastructure in Aiken County, aligning with broader initiatives to expand digital capabilities. While construction progresses, local authorities and stakeholders aim to balance development with community interests.
The response from the community indicates an ongoing dialogue about the implications of large-scale construction projects in the region, driving home the need for continued engagement between developers, residents, and local officials. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring a safe work environment for those involved in the construction and addressing the concerns of the local population.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Crane Accident at Meta Data Center Site
- WRDW: Fiery Crash that Brought Down I-20 Bridge
- World Cargo News: 13 Dead in Tank Container Incident
- WRDW: Deadly Accident Blocking Traffic on Ascauga
- Wikipedia: Construction Accidents
- Google Search: Meta Data Center Construction
- Google Scholar: Safety in Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety Measures in Construction
- Google News: Crane Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
