NEW YORK (AP) -- The operator of a crane that collapsed at a New York City construction site was trying to lift a load more than twice as heavy as the crane's capacity in a place where it shouldn't have been, officials said Thursday.
The Department of Buildings suspended Paul Geer's crane operator license following a preliminary investigation into the collapse that injured seven construction workers Wednesday afternoon in Queens.
The agency said Geer was trying to lift a load of close to 24,000 pounds when its 170-foot-long boom fell onto metal scaffolding and the wooden framework that made up the first floor of what will be a 25-story apartment building. None of the injuries were life-threatening.
Buildings Commissioner Robert Limandri also said Geer couldn't see what was being lifted by the crane, and was trying to move the materials outside of an approved zone.
A telephone number for Geer could not be found. TF Cornerstone, the project's main contractor, did not return a call seeking comment.
The construction site remains closed.
The equipment was leased from New York Crane and Equipment Corp. by a subcontractor for TF Cornerstone.
Construction cranes have been a source of safety concerns since two giant rigs collapsed in Manhattan in 2008, killing a total of nine people. One of those was owned by New York Crane. Owner James Lomma was tried and acquitted on manslaughter charges stemming from that incident, which killed two workers.
The Empire State Development Corp., which is overseeing the project, said work on the tower started in November. It is the last residential building at the Queens West development, located behind the landmark neon "Pepsi-Cola" sign near the East River waterfront. The building is slated to be completed in early 2014 but city officials could not say how long work will be shut down.
Engineers will examine the history of the crane involved in Wednesday's collapse as part of the investigation, including the equipment's maintenance and operation records.
The 2008 accidents led to new safety measures, including hiring more inspectors and expanding training requirements and inspection checklists.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:45 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:18:28 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:46:23 GMT
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans.
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans. Cicadas live in the soil and make a familiar buzzing sound.
