New York Crane Accident Results in One Fatality and Multiple Injuries

Tragically last Tuesday a construction worker lost his life as the result of a crane collapsing in Manhattan. The 30-year-old worker from New Jersey started working in the construction industry last year after being out of work for some time. Those who knew him remembered him as “good natured” and willing to lend a hand to neighbors and others in need of help. The fatal crane accident occurred when a large 170-foot crane, located at the construction site for the No. 7 subway line extension, collapsed. According to a spokesperson from the Fire Department, two large sections, one about 80 feet and another 40 feet, fell from the crane. Those near the scene described hearing “a big boom.” In addition to the one fatality, several other individuals were injured. Those injured included a flagman, a crane operator and an individual related to one of the victims. The cause of the accident has not been officially determined. Investigators are speculating that the crane became unbalanced after there was a failure of some sort, causing a cable behind the crane to snap. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has suspended work on the construction site. Yellow tape now surrounds the collapsed crane with its twisted boom. Stricter regulations for crane projects were enacted after a total of nine people lost their lives in two Manhattan crane accidents in 2008. Perhaps this new accident will lead to further changes to make cranes and New York construction sites safer.