This is the moment a bungling crane operator is blamed for sending his huge vehicle toppling into a river while trying to dismantle a decorative lighthouse built on the side of the bridge.

Experts had ruled that it was not possible to repair the massive lighthouse located on a bridge located in Ebian Yi Autonomous County, which is in the prefecture level Leshan City in China’s Sichuan Province.

As a result, the bridge was closed so that the massive crane could be bought in to help lift the top of the lighthouse structure away as part of the demolition process.

However, according to experts, because of the improper use of the crane by the operator, instead of lifting it without causing damage, the crane toppled over into the rain-swollen river.

The expensive accident was almost made worse as the crane almost ended up dragging a huge mechanical digger that was trying to stop it from toppling over into the water as well.

It was only at the last minute that it ended up remaining on the bridge, much to the relief of the operator who was still inside.

The incident also substantially damaged the guardrail around the side of the bridge for a length of around 3 m, further blocking traffic, which had already been stopped during the removal process.

Fortunately, despite a large crowd having gathered to watch the operation, nobody was injured.

It was eventually removed and repair work is being carried out on the guardrail.

Local officials confirmed that the crane had to be moved quickly because of the risk of blocking the river by the removed section of the lighthouse and the crane itself.

Engineers are currently assessing the damage to the rest of the bridge structure as a result of the failed demolition efforts.