A WATER worker was crushed to death when a crane he was operating smashed through the front of an oncoming bus.

The tragedy happened at traffic lights controlled road works on narrow Brotton High Street.

David Mason was operating a jib and grab mounted on a Northumbrian Water lorry to scoop up a pile of rubble.

The 42-year-old water technician was swinging the boom and grab across the traffic lane, using gaps between the traffic on the evening of December 8, last year.

A Middlesbrough inquest heard that Thornaby-born Mr Mason was operating the crane controls, situated on the side of the truck, with his back to the traffic when the jib swung out across the road.

The grab crashed through the front of a Redcar and Cleveland social services mini bus and Mr Mason was crushed as the two vehicles collided.

Bus driver Peter Jacklin said he had driven through the road works on a green light. He said the bus stopped suddenly and began to shake violently.

"The front and side windows of the bus started to shatter," he said. "Above my head I noticed the roof of the bus coming towards me.''

Government safety inspector Gerry Rutter and crash investigator PC John Morton said Mr Mason could have avoided swinging the jib in a 180 degree arc across the carriageway.

PC Morton said: "Mr Mason may have not been fully aware of the operational capabilities of the lorry grab, which may indicate a shortfall in the employer's training programme."

The jury returned a verdict of misadventure.

Northumbrian Water said a Health and Safety Executive investigation had not been completed and it would be inappropriate to comment other than to extend the company's deepest sympathy to Mr Mason's family