Construction crane’s boom collapses on building in New York City

A construction crane’s boom collapsed on a nearby building after it caught on fire on Wednesday, July 26.

The crane was located on a construction site, at 10^th Avenue, between 41^st and 42^nd streets in Manhattan working on a 47-story mixed residential building when the fire broke out.

More specifically, around 7.30 AM, and while lifting about 16 tons of concrete to the building’s 36^th floor, a fire broke out.

The crane operator tried to put the fire out with hand extinguishers, before eventually getting overwhelmed by it and coming out.

Shortly after, while fire fighters were under way, the crane’s boom collapsed and landed on the street after hitting a nearby building.

It is believed that the crane’s cabling was weakened by the fire, lost its strength, and collapsed.

Preliminary investigations have shown that the cause of the fire was hydraulic fluid that leaked onto a hot plate.

Later inspections by the New York City Department of Buildings showed that the tower crane, as well as the impacted buildings, were still structurally sound.

Twelve people in total were injured in the event, including nine civilians and three fire fighters.

It is worth noting that, according to officials, all relevant permits and inspections were up to date.

The Department of Buildings is investigating the causes that led to the events.