MAJOR EMERGENCY CRANE COLLAPSE IN MANHATTAN ON MARCH 15th 2008
A tall construction crane that was mounted on a building under construction suddenly collapsed while it was being jacked up. A piece of steel fell off the crane severing one of the cables that supported the crane. The crane swayed and then collapsed off of the building sending it crashing down onto neighboring buildings, severely damaging a number of buildings and destroying a 4 story building on E.50th Street. Box 861 was transmitted. First due units gave a signal 10-60! (Major Emergency) and a 2nd alarm was quickly transmitted. Units found numerous victims, some who were severely injured, and 4 10-45 code 1's (DOA's). Rescue operations were immediately initiated. In the next two days 3 more bodies were recovered. In all 7 persons were killed and more than 25 injured. 4 Alarms and numerous special calls, and numerous Police Officers along with other agencies, were involved in the operation.
PHOTOS BY STEVE SPAK
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This 4 story apartment building was totally destroyed by the crane.
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Firefighters are searching the rear of the collapsed 4 story building. This photo was taken from 2nd Ave.
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Photo taken from a rear apartment of the apartment building next door from the collapsed 4 story building.
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The cranes platform ended up outside of the window in the rear of the apartment building.
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Rescue operations are continuing
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This small tractor belongs to the FDNY's Special Operations Division.
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This photo was taken from the roof of the apartment building next door to the collapsed 4 story building. The view is looking towards 2nd Ave.
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This car was crushed by the debris from the collapsed 4 story building.
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These crushed vehicles had to be removed before a crane could be brought in on E.50th Street.
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NYPD Emergency Services officers clear out this vehicle before it can be towed away.
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This is the FDNY and FDNY EMS Command posts.
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This is the FDNY's Field Communications unit in operation.
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This is the Field Communications status board.
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Looking at the rear of the collapsed building.
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NYPD brought in its canine unit.
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The FDNY's Mobile Command Vehicle.
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A Mobile Emergency Room Vehicle and the Respiratory Vehicle at the scene with the Chrysler building in the backround.