A towering construction crane caught fire high above the west side of Manhattan on Wednesday morning, then lost its long arm, which smashed against a nearby building, dangled and then plummeted to the street as people ran for their lives on the sidewalk below.
Four people suffered minor injuries, but no one died, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“As you can see from the debris on the street, this could have been much worse,” the Democrat said, noting that the street at that hour of the morning is often filled with pedestrians, cars and buses.
The fire atop the 54-story building was reported around 7:25 a.m. Photos and videos posted on social media showed flames bursting from the car of a crane hundreds of feet above 10th Avenue at 41st Street. The crane's arm, which was carrying a 16-ton load, snapped off after the fire had been burning for a period of time.
The person operating the crane tried to put out the fire as it spread, but then had to flee to safety, according to Fire Department First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer.
Firefighters stationed on a roof deck of another building used hoses to battle the blaze. Surrounding streets were closed to traffic.
The fire's cause was being investigated.
The location is near the Port Authority Bus Terminal and an entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, which carries auto traffic to and from New Jersey under the Hudson River.
Be Well: The Art of Self Defense
Erik Davis, managing editor of Fandango, joined Cheddar News to discuss what movies to look out for this coming fall. On tap to be released is Martin Scorcese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'The Marvels' and 'Napoleon.'
Jamie O'Banion, the founder of BeautyBio, spoke with Cheddar News about skin care tips, mentorship, how her company stands out and juggling work with family.
Multiple reports say that RHOA may get a reboot following the same situation with RHONY.
Actress Mira Sorvino is reportedly heading to join Dancing With The Stars for season 32.
From HBO canceling the Weekend's show to a Bob Barker Tribute, these are the latest entertainment headlines you Need2Know.
Two orphaned puma cubs who lost their mother were sent to the Philadelphia Zoo.
Buying your first home can be challenging with rising interest rates and other costs. Cheddar News spoke with Amira Elgoneimy, a premiere agent with Redfin who caters to the New Brunswick, NJ area, and Daryl Fairweather, chief economist with Redfin, about the process involved in purchasing a residence in a competitive market.
As students return to school, Bridget Carey of CNET joined consumer reporter Janice Lieberman to help Cheddar News what tech accessories are needed ahead of another long school year.
Labor Day is right around the corner. Celebrity party planner Mikie Russo joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to throw a jam on a tight budget.
