04.04.2012

Fatal crane boom collapse

The 51 metre boom of a large crawler crane came down last night in Manhattan New York, killing one man and seriously injuring another. Three other men, including the crane operator, suffered minor injuries.

The crane, a 1988 Manitowoc 4100, is owned by Yonkers Contracting and was working on a Metropolitan Transportation Authority site, extending the number seven subway line on Manhattans West Side. The crane was apparently set up on the second of three levels, when a boom suspension or hoisting cable reportedly snapped.

The falling boom, or at least part of it, landed directly on the man who died, he was later named as Michael Simmermeyer, 30, from New Jersey, the other man, 48, broke his leg.
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The scene shortly after then boom came down

The New York Police Department said that it has launched an investigation jointly with the Department of Buildings.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority released a statement saying that it plans to work with the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. "On behalf of the entire MTA, we pray for the recovery of the workers injured as a result of this tragic accident.”
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The crane after the incident

That’s all we have at this stage.

UPDATE
The crane was due for a six month inspection on January 10th but was working and therefore unable to lay down its boom. A follow up inspection was scheduled for Thursday 5th April.

The MTA has since ordered the immediate inspection of all cranes working on its job sites or other locations.