A construction mishap at the Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas became the site of a scare on Friday after a crane part plummeted to the ground. According to a report by KXAN, the crane operator detected "a mechanical issue with the equipment he was operating," prompting the initiation of repair work on the crane.
As the crane was being set up for repairs, the boom — the long arm of the crane—dropped "out of control to the ground," Samsung officials described. The event did not result in any injuries, since, the area was reportedly clear of workers at the time of the fall. An inquiry by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is underway to figure out what triggered the crane's failure.
Further details emerged from KVUE, noting that the incident occurred in an area between buildings inside the sprawling facility. OSHA confirmed to the news outlet that an investigation into the crane collapse has been initiated.
The accident comes as Samsung is heavily investing in its Texas operations. A recent Wall Street Journal report indicated that Samsung plans to escalate its semiconductor investment in the Lone Star State to approximately $44 billion, a figure that more than doubles initial estimates, as reported by KVUE news. The tech giant is also lined up to cash in on billions in subsidies courtesy of the U.S. Chips Act, with the Taylor plant slated to spearhead mass semiconductor chip production by 2025.
The Taylor facility, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2024, represents a significant expansion of Samsung's manufacturing capabilities. The site is pivotal to the company's strategy to meet the burgeoning demand for semiconductor chips, which are vital components in a vast array of electronic devices.