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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
