A Massive Crane Collapsed In Lower Manhattan, Killing At Least One And Injuring Several

Lower Manhattan turned from a scene of bustle to chaos when a construction crane collapsed on Friday morning. At least one person was killed and at least 15 injured (two seriously) during the commuter rush after the crane came crashing down in TriBeCa near West Broadway. The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. The situation is still developing as emergency crews search for those who could have been trapped. At present, the area remains blocked off, with subway trains bypassing any nearby stations.

Meteorologist Justin Abraham of the Weather Channel describes this video footage as “absolutely terrifying.”

The Wall Street Journal details a witness report from Ken Robert, who heard the accident happen from the 32nd floor near the scene. Robert noticed the crane in his neighborhood and says it stood at least 40 stories tall. The initial noise “sounded like a large truck hitting a pothole,” so he thought nothing was amiss. However, Robert began to hear sirens, which set him on edge: “Being down here on 9/11, does this get your nerves going? Yes it does.” At least 25 emergency vehicles responded to the accident, and Robert commented on the swiftness of action and the “incredible” job being done by fire and police crews. Photos from the scene show the magnitude of the situation.

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(Via Wall Street Journal and New York Times)