11.01.2013

Overloading blamed for NY crane collapse

The operator of the crawler crane that collapsed in New York on Wednesday has been blamed for overloading the crane.

A statement from the Department of Buildings claims that the crane was lifting a load of 23,900lbs (10.8 tonnes), when the crane’s maximum capacity was around half that amount. The crane was rented and operated by Cross Country Construction from Lomma owned New York Crane.
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The crane appears to have been rigged in tower format

As a result operator Paul Greer has had his licence suspended, while the investigation continues. The statement also says that the operator was unable to see the materials he was lifting and attempted to lift them outside the approved loading zone.

Seven people were injured in the incident, three seriously, work at the site remains suspended while the investigation continues. Click here to see the original report