Video shows construction crane crashing into New York high-rise, 12 injured

Manhattan witnessed a moment of shock as a construction crane came whittling down on a high-rise building on Wednesday (July 2) morning. Commuters fled for their lives as the rubble fell onto the streets below. Fortunately, the incident did not cause any casualties or life-threatening injuries. 

What happened?

• A construction crane collapsed in Hell's Kitchen, New York after a fire broke out on the crane around 7.30 am. 
• The crane was situated on an under-construction building 45 stories up in the air. The crane was lifting 16 tons of concrete when the fire broke out. 
• Viral videos of the incident show the top of the crane alight before crashing down against the opposite building, smashing windows before debris is seen falling down to the streets below. 

• According to reports, 12 people were injured including three firefighters. None of the injuries were life-threatening. Earlier, New York Mayor Eric Adams had said that six people were injured. 

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Cause of the accident

• Reportedly, hydraulic fluid leaked onto the hot plate near the engine of the crane causing the fire. 

• New York City Mayor Eric Adams also reacted to the incident by saying,

• Construction workers in the building also escaped unhurt. 
• Officials checked the permits for the construction and the use of crane and found it to be up to date.  

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