Name Of Fatality Released From Roll-Over Southeast Of Elgin

The name of the man killed Wednesday morning in a crane roll-over southeast of Elgin has been released.

According to a press release from the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department, they were notified at 9:23 a.m. that a large crane had rolled. The crane was being used by Wanzek Construction Co. for the wind towers project southeast of Elgin.

 “It appears the crane was being operated north of the intersection of 527 and 100 and the crane had gotten too close to the east edge of the road and rolled into a pasture owned by John Larson,” according to the release.

Officials said Thomas L. Bales, age 40, of Denver, was operating the crane traveling north on 527 Ave. The driver lost control of the machine near the east edge of the road causing it to roll into the ditch. Bales was pinned underneath the crane as it came to rest on its side in a pasture owned by John Larson.

Wanzek Construction Company, headquarters in West Fargo, N.D., is assisting with construction of the Prairie Breeze II wind towers southeast of Elgin, according to officials..

Elgin Fire and Rescue, Petersburg Fire and Rescue and the Antelope County Sheriff's department assisted with the accident.

Bales was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy has been ordered.