Wild Video Shows NYC Crane Catch Fire, Collapse Into Building
A large crane working on a high-rise building under construction in Manhattan caught fire and partially collapsed around 7:25 a.m. this morning, sending debris falling to the ground below.
The three-alarm fire occurred on 10th Avenue and West 41st Street, which is typically bustling on a weekday morning. Only minor injuries were reported among two firefighters and at least four civilians, according to authorities. The city's official emergency notification system said to expect smoke and traffic delays in area, advising nearby residents to avoid smoke and close windows.
The crane was reportedly carrying 16 tons of concrete when it caught fire. As the fire raged out of control, the cable holding up the concrete weakened and gave way, causing both the crane boom and concrete to collapse and crash into an adjacent building before falling into the street below. The crane operator working on the building, which is about 45 stories high, initially attempted to put out the fire but had to flee for his safety.
One bystander caught incredible video the moment the burning crane fell. "Just watched a crane fall and pummel a building on the other side of the block!" Twitter user Jimmy Farring wrote, sharing the below footage.
Just watched a crane fall and pummel a building on the other side of the block! #nyc #fire pic.twitter.com/YFyaurRglN
— Jimmy ???????? (@jimmy_farring) July 26, 2023
"As you can see from the debris on the street, this could have been much worse," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a press conference, noting that the incident took place before the busiest time of the morning, when the streets are filled with pedestrians and busses from the nearby Port Authority Bus Terminal.
"That weight of 16 tons is attached by a cable," added Joseph Pfeifer, first deputy commissioner for the Fire Department of New York. "As the fire heats the cable, the cable weakens to a point where it loses its strength, and that’s where the collapse occurred."
The Mayor's Office likewise shared scary images from the scene around 9:00 a.m., adding that Fire Department units were currently operating on the fire and to please use alternate routes.
FDNY units are currently operating at a crane collapse and fire at 550 Tenth Avenue in Manhattan. Please avoid the area of 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue from West 41 Street to West 42 Street. Please use alternate routes and expect traffic in the area. pic.twitter.com/lEc03WwnWd
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) July 26, 2023
The mayor and city officials are planning a full investigation into the fire and the structural integrity of the building that was under construction.