Midtown Manhattan– As the upper section of the crane, along with its heavy 16-ton load, plummeted, it made impact with a neighboring building at 555 10th Ave. During this harrowing incident, four civilians and two firefighters sustained minor injuries, as confirmed by officials. Among the injured, one firefighter complained of chest pains and was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Midtown Manhattan
NEW YORK–Early Wednesday morning, a distressing incident occurred in Midtown Manhattan, where a crane carrying a load of concrete caught fire and subsequently collapsed, leading to six people sustaining minor injuries. The construction site, located on 10th Avenue and 41st Street, near the iconic Times Square, became the unfortunate scene of the accident.
As the crane’s engine compartment caught fire, the situation rapidly escalated, forcing the crane operator to evacuate promptly. Tragically, the crane eventually collapsed, causing debris to rain down onto the streets below, resulting in injuries to four civilians and two firefighters. Thankfully, all injured parties received immediate medical attention at the scene.
Authorities of Midtown Manhattan are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing to a potential origin in the crane’s engine compartment. This unfortunate incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks and hazards associated with working around heavy machinery.
Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the paramount importance of safety in construction in response to the incident. The city plans to collaborate with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause.
This unfortunate occurrence is not an isolated event, as New York City has witnessed several construction accidents in recent years. The city has undertaken efforts to address these concerns and enhance construction safety, introducing stricter regulations for crane operators and implementing additional safety measures.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for all individuals to remain vigilant and cautious in construction zones. Adhering to instructions from construction workers, avoiding walking beneath suspended loads, and staying clear of construction sites whenever possible are simple yet vital precautions we can all take to safeguard ourselves and others.
Additional Details:
- The collapsed crane was a 165-foot-tall mobile crane.
- The fire broke out at approximately 7:30 a.m.
- The incident resulted in a temporary power outage in the surrounding area.
- The street remained closed for several hours to facilitate debris clearance.
- The ongoing investigation continues to explore the cause of the fire.
We will continue to update this blog as more information becomes available regarding this unfortunate event.
Author:allykazmi