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Crane Crash Kills 4 in Manhattan

At least 4 people trapped; several buildings damaged

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 15, 2008 3:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A gigantic crane collapsed in Manhattan today, killing four and putting several others in critical condition as it smashed into nearby buildings, Newsday reports. The crane was about 19 stories tall and demolished at least one building entirely. Police have swarmed the area as emergency crews try to rescue people from crushed buildings on East 51st Street between First and Second avenues.

The owner of the on-site construction company, Reliance Construction Group, called it "an absolute freak accident. All the piece of steel had to do was fall slightly left or right, and nothing would have happened." He added that Reliance subcontracted work to other companies and did not manage the crane. Witnesses reported an explosion after the crash and a strong smell of gas in the area.

New York City first responders remove a victim of a crane collapse to an awaiting ambulance, in New York, Saturday, March 15, 2008.
New York City first responders remove a victim of a crane collapse to an awaiting ambulance, in New York, Saturday, March 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Frances Roberts)
A section of collapsed crane protrudes from a crushed building on 50th Street near Second Avenue Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane toppled over at a construction site and smashed into a block of East Side residential buildings. Fire Department officials said at least two people...
A section of collapsed crane protrudes from a crushed building on 50th Street near Second Avenue Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane toppled over at a construction site and smashed...   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
A section of collapsed crane protrudes from a crushed building on 50th Street, center background, Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.
A section of collapsed crane protrudes from a crushed building on 50th Street, center background, Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo)
A section of collapsed crane lies on top of a crushed building on Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.
A section of collapsed crane lies on top of a crushed building on Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
A section of collapsed crane lies on top of a crushed building on 50th Street near Second Avenue Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.
A section of collapsed crane lies on top of a crushed building on 50th Street near Second Avenue Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo)
Map locates site of crane collapse in Manhattan; 1c x 2 1/2 inches; 46.5 mm x 63.5 mm
Map locates site of crane collapse in Manhattan; 1c x 2 1/2 inches; 46.5 mm x 63.5 mm   (AP Photo)
A crane leans between two buildings on 51st Street Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane, at least 15 stories tall, collapsed at a construction site
A crane leans between two buildings on 51st Street Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane, at least 15 stories tall, collapsed at a construction site   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
A crane leans between two buildings on 51st Street , Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane, at least 15 stories tall, collapsed at the construction site.
A crane leans between two buildings on 51st Street , Saturday, March 15, 2008 in New York. The giant crane, at least 15 stories tall, collapsed at the construction site.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Crane 'literally split in half': witness
Reuters

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New York City • Manhattan • construction • accident • disaster • crane accident • crane

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