Cranes are hulking machines used to lift and move heavy and awkward things. Not only are their loads a risk due to their size and weight, but cranes have been known to collapse, injuring and even killing people in their vicinity. A recent crane accident in Valley Cottage, New York showed how a seemingly simple crane job could easily go awry.

According to LoHud.com, the accident happened when homeowner Michael Racanelli hired a tree removal company to take out a pine tree. As he was in the home at about 2:15 p.m., he heard a giant crash and saw a cloud of dust roll through the house.

“This was not a first for me,” said Racanelli, a 72-year-old former construction worker. He immediately went outside to see the crane had collapsed. He checked on the crane operator, who had managed to escape injury. Racanelli and his wife, the only ones in the home, similarly walked away unscathed. Their house, however, was seriously damaged.

The following day, the tree removal company was back to finish the job that had been interrupted.

“We were taking it down because we were afraid it would fall on the house during a storm,” said Racanelli about the tree. “The tree didn’t fall on the house but the crane did.”

Officials hadn’t determined what may have caused the crane accident. Racanelli surmised that a recent downpour that moved over the area may have played a role.

The home has been cleared for occupancy, and the tree removal company will be taking care of repairs.

While crane accidents aren’t extremely common, they do happen. The Racanelli family and the crane operator are lucky that no one was physically injured in the accident. When a crane collapses, it’s often results in the machine tipping over, debris raining down on a construction site, and a heavy payload falling.

For construction workers and everyone in the vicinity, crane accidents and falling objects are serious dangers.

New York and New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, let the attorneys of Ginarte help. From helping injured construction workers to people who are injured by the contractors they hire, our construction accident attorneys are available to discuss your legal options. Contact us today at (888) GINARTE.