ENGINEERING giant Cleveland Bridge yesterday pledged to fully co-operate with an investigation after an electrician was trapped by a crane.

The 55-year-old worker, who was left with a fractured pelvis, was recovering in hospital yesterday, following the accident at the firm's Yarm Road premises in Darlington.

He was working on an electrical fault at the site on Thursday night when it is understood he became pinned down as the indoor gantry of the 40ft crane swung towards him.

Firefighters rescued the man and transported him to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

An inquiry into the incident is now being prepared.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation will begin in earnest on Monday.

Meanwhile, the company has pledged that it would take whatever action was necessary as a result.

A spokeswoman for the HSE said last night: "The man was carrying out maintenance on an overhead crane. The crane was moving and he collided with an adjacent column.

"The company has launch-ed a full investigation and the HSE has also done so."

Statements have already been taken from workers who were present at the time of the accident but the investigation may take some weeks to conclude.

A Cleveland Bridge spokeswoman said: "Cleveland Bridge is in regular contact with the gentleman and his family and are pleased to hear that, although he did suffer a fracture, he is making a speedy recovery.

"Cleveland Bridge will co-operate fully with the investigation and, once that is complete, will undertake any action that is recommended."

The incident happened at about 9.40pm on Thursday and emergency services were quickly on the scene.

Fire crews who attended said the man was conscious, but in shock when they reached him. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance after oxygen was administered.

Cleveland Bridge has hit the headlines in recent weeks for its work on the new Wembley Stadium project in London.

Fifteen technical workers were told this week that they would be laid off, but the jobs of 220 construction staff were recently saved.