Oslo city center evacuated due to unstable construction crane

A construction crane, measuring between 25 and 40 meters in height, has become unstable at a building site near Jernbanetorget and Oslo S, leading to evacuations and significant transport disruptions in central Oslo.

Police and fire services reported that the crane has developed a tilt, increasing the risk of collapse. According to a worker on-site, the entire foundation of the crane has loosened. The contractor, Consto, has implemented safety measures to protect the public and employees, though the exact cause of the malfunction remains unknown.

Emergency services have cordoned off several streets, including Prinsens gate, Fred. Olsens gate, and Strandgata. The incident has caused major disruptions to public transport; Ruter reports that bus services at Jernbanetorget are suspended and tram lines passing the area have been halted. A large mobile crane has been deployed to the scene in an attempt to remove 30 tons of counterweights to stabilize the structure.