Steel Beam Falls from New York City Crane, Killing 2 Workers

November 29, 2016

Authorities say a steel beam being hoisted at a New York City construction site fell after a cable apparently snapped, killing a crane operator and a co-worker.

The beam was being lifted when it came loose Tuesday afternoon in the Briarwood neighborhood of Queens.

Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler told WABC-TV the 6,500-pound beam fell from the fourth floor onto the crane, crushing the workers. He says rigging rope may have failed.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated, but Chandler said wind does not appear to be a factor.

Chandler said the crane was last inspected in June.

Police identified the victims as 47-year-old crane operator George Smith, of Brooklyn, and 43-year-old Alessandro Ramos, of Queens.

A residential building is going up at the site.

Related:

Topics New York

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Latest Comments

  • December 1, 2016 at 10:34 am
    Reader for Safety says:
    It appears the crane was rented with operator and flagman and the riggers were the construction company doing the steel work. It also appeared that the crane was operating pr... read more
  • November 29, 2016 at 6:06 pm
    actu says:
    Yes, link something substantive.
  • November 29, 2016 at 10:28 am
    CTE says:
    not a lot of info in this article... do you want me to do the work for you? PLENTY more exists out there on this incident, we shouldn't be sweeping this crane deaths in NY und... read more

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