Construction Accident Lawyer Discusses TriBeCa Crane Collapse

A large crane collapsed in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood on Friday, February 5. The accident happened at Worth Street between Church Street and West Broadway just before 8:30 a.m.

Wrecking Ball and Crane

The New York Post reports that the crane was swinging a wrecking ball about 15-18 stories up before the collapse. As the crane came down it crushed a number of cars. Debris covered at least one city block.

Injuries and At Least One Fatality

Dispatchers received the first call about the crane collapse at 8:24 a.m. Numerous first responders and multiple ambulances arrived at the scene. According to ABC 7 News, a 38-year-old pedestrian died in the accident. A senior city official said at least 15 other individuals sustained injuries, according to the New York Times.

It was unclear why the crane came down, although it is possible that weather was a factor. The crane collapsed with such force that it broke a water main at West Broadway and Worth Street. Authorities also investigated a possible gas main break in the West Broadway area.

Street Closures

Authorities closed streets in the area, and buses were detoured. Subway trains bypassed the Chambers Street and Franklin Street stations. Officials with the Department of Buildings arrived to check the structural stability of buildings hit by the falling crane.

If you or a family member is a victim of a construction site accident, you can review the matter from a legal perspective with a construction site accident lawyer. Our firm provides you with such a consultation at no cost to you. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.