Malta Freeport Terminals Limited was yesterday ordered to pay €16,500 to a man whose car was totally destroyed when it was hit by a crane.

Alex Ellul Sullivan told Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon he had parked his vehicle, a Renault Megane, on the quay at the Freeport Terminals compound in May 2008 while picking up orders from a berthed vessel. The car was hit by a gantry crane and crushed.

Mr Ellul Sullivan had parked by the quayside to avoid obstructing traffic. The court noted that it did not result he was aware he had parked in an area reserved for cranes. However, even if he had parked illegally, it did not justify anybody crashing into his car.

The court exonerated crane operator Noel Vella from all responsibility after noting there were blind spots that prevented him seeing an obstacle in his path.

However, the Freeport was held responsible for the damage. The Freeport had claimed there were regulations governing parking at the terminal but no proof of such regulations were submitted in court, Mr Justice Zammit McKeon said.

The Freeport had also failed to implement measures to prevent accidents. Furthermore, the crane was not provided with adequate equipment enabling its operator to keep a proper look out.