A construction crane collapsed in Manhattan, killing one and injuring four others. The FDNY said the crane boom came apart in two pieces, according to the Associated Press, one 80 feet long and the other 40 feet long. According to numerous sources, the crane was due for an inspection a mere two days after the accident.
At its last inspection, on January 10, the boom was not inspected, although the cab and station below were found satisfactory. One report suggests the collapse may have been caused by a snapped hoisting cable, though numerous agencies are still investigating.
The worker atop the crane was killed when it fell. One other worker was sent to the hospital and is reported to be in serious condition. Three additional construction workers were said to have suffered minor injuries.
The crane was located in Manhattan’s West Side at the construction site on the 7 subway. The MTA says that work on the site of the accident has been suspended and they have ordered immediate inspection of all cranes on MTA work sites around the city.
The company that owns and operates the crane is Yonkers Contracting Co., according to NBC New York.
While this crane is said to be a relatively small one, it is still capable of lifting 200 to 230 tons. At the time of the accident it was picking up a load of construction materials. Witnesses heard a loud noise before they saw the crane collapse.
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