Major crane collapse in New York City: 1 dead, several injured
A massive construction crane killed at least one person when it collapsed in New York City amid falling snow Friday morning.
The crane reportedly toppled over at around 8:30 a.m. at Worth St. and West Broadway in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca. It crushed a row of parked cars and slammed against buildings — strewing shattered bricks and debris into the street.
SLIDESHOW – Major crane collapse in New York City >>>
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that one person was dead on arrival and that at least two others were seriously injured.
Bay Crane, a family-operated crane rental company based out of Long Island City, owns the equipment that fell over.
When contacted by Yahoo News, a representative from the company declined to discuss the matter at this time.
“No comment. This incident is still under investigation,” he said over the phone.
Bay Crane’s mission statement characterizes the company as having a “reputation for excellence” and the know-how to deal with New York regulations.
“Our focus and our mission is to meet the needs of the congested and highly regulated New York market,” it reads.
Last year, the company was involved in a similar incident when an industrial air conditioner fell nearly 30 stories to the ground while being transported by another one of its cranes.
Mirian, a waitress at the nearby Square Diner on Leonard St., described this morning’s scene as hectic when reached by Yahoo News.
“It’s a lot of fire trucks, a lot of police,” she said. “A couple of families came to the diner to get away. Cops told them to stay away from the street.”
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and searched the automobiles for anyone trapped inside. Authorities blocked the area with yellow emergency tape. Several neighboring streets have been closed off to traffic.
It was not immediately clear what caused the crane to collapse.
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