A man has made a lucky escape after the crane he was operating collapsed between two houses in Sydney's south-west.
The crane brought down power lines when it toppled about 9am in Clemton Park, and the man was trapped for more than an hour as authorities worked to secure the site.
Paramedics said the driver was stuck on his back in the cabin and sustained minor head injuries.
The man was in a stable condition, but started to cramp as temperatures inside the cabin began to rise.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Michael Corlis said the driver was lifted to safety with the help of NSW Fire and Rescue.
"His main injuries were soft tissue, a sore elbow, sore leg and some back pain ... probably more because he was trapped for a considerable amount of time," he said
The man was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.
"He's lucky, but this is not the first time we've done one of these jobs," Inspector Corlis said.
'I'm going to buy a lotto ticket'
Authorities said the driver, and residents of Julie Avenue were lucky the crane landed the way it did.
The crane narrowly missed Danny Magloveras' investment property when it toppled.
He said there was some minor damage to a fence.
"I'm going to buy a lotto ticket," he said.
One paramedic spoke with the driver continually until the power was isolated after which a doctor was able to assess his injuries.
"He was still seated in his seat, lying on his back," Inspector Corlis said.
"We work very closely with fire and rescue and police. It's all very well coordinated."
