Crane arm catches fire, collapses onto street in Hell’s Kitchen

Crane arm catches fire, in a horrifying incident unfolded in Manhattan when a crane caught fire and partially collapsed on a building under construction in Hell’s Kitchen. Preliminary findings suggest the fire resulted from hydraulic fluid leaking onto a hot plate near the engine of the crane. Twelve people were injured, including three firefighters, but thankfully, all injuries were non-life-threatening. The situation could have been far worse, given the high-traffic area. The crane operator’s quick action in spotting the fire and trying to extinguish it saved lives. The community rallied together to support those affected, and efforts are underway to find temporary shelters for those displaced by the incident.

A disastrous morning unfolded high above Manhattan as a crane suddenly went up in flames and subsequently partially collapsed on a building under construction in Hell’s Kitchen. The fire erupted at around 7:30 a.m. on the 45th floor of the building on 10th Avenue, between West 41st and 42nd streets, creating a scene of chaos and devastation.

Officials pointed to a probable cause for the fire, stating that hydraulic fluid leaked onto a hot plate near the crane’s engine. They emphasized that, at this stage, it appears to be an accidental incident with no suspected criminal intent.

Despite the shocking turn of events, authorities confirmed that all permits and inspections for the construction were up to date. Nevertheless, the incident resulted in twelve injuries, including three firefighters, although thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Following a preliminary inspection, the Department of Buildings confirmed the structural stability of the crane, the building under construction, and the neighboring building that was struck in the partial collapse.

The fire’s origins were traced back to the crane’s engine compartment as workers were lifting a heavy load of concrete to the 36th floor. The crane operator made heroic efforts to control the fire with hand extinguishers, but it quickly became overwhelming, and he had to evacuate the crane. Crane arm catches fire

As firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving the call, the situation took a tragic turn with the partial collapse of the crane and the impact on the building.

Mayor Eric Adams, along with officials from the FDNY and Department of Buildings, provided an update on the situation. They emphasized that the incident occurred during a relatively low-traffic time, preventing further casualties in the bustling area.

As investigations continue, the focus is on the crane operator, who bravely attempted to put out the fire before exiting the crane safely. The fire’s intensity presented a unique challenge to firefighters, as they had to fight the blaze high above the ground while also ensuring a stable water supply.

The building under construction, located at 550 10th Ave., is a mixed-use residential building standing at approximately 47 stories high. The Department of Buildings promptly issued a stop work order for the tower project, ensuring no further construction activities until the investigation concludes.

Over 200 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene, assisting with search and evacuation efforts. Nearby buildings, including Covenant House, a shelter for homeless youth, were evacuated as a safety precaution.

The impact on Covenant House was profound, and staff worked tirelessly to find temporary shelters for 119 youths receiving services at their crisis shelter. The community’s outpouring of support ensured that these vulnerable individuals had access to food and beds during their displacement. Crane arm catches fire

The incident caused significant disruptions in the area, with authorities advising drivers to avoid 10th Avenue, which is expected to remain closed for much of the following day.

The events of this tragic day have left the community shaken and searching for answers. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those impacted and encourage our politically mature audience from the USA to share their thoughts and support in the comments below. Crane arm catches fire