Crane Operator Falls From Construction Site

MIAMI, FL — A crane operator fell from a construction site on Tuesday night and had to be lowered to the ground using ropes. The incident occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. The construction site is located at NW 2nd Avenue and 25th Street.

Capt. Ignatius Carroll of Miami Fire Rescue said that the crane operator fell onto a construction platform high above the ground.

"Fire crews arrived to find an adult male, semi-conscious, on the crane platform about 60 to 70 feet off the ground," Carroll explained.

He said that firefighters from the station #2 and #6 Technical Rescue Team reached the crane operator by ladder.

"According to the crane safety officer, the crane operator was preparing to leave for the day and began climbing down the ladder," Carroll said. "For reasons unknown, he fell about 10 to 15 feet to a platform below, seriously injuring himself. Co-workers heard his screams for help and called 9-1-1."

Carroll said that first responders performed a rope rescue operation to lower the crane operator down to paramedics. The crane operator was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in serious condition.

Carroll added that Miami Police were contacted and the construction company was planning to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the incident.

Photo courtesy Miami Fire Rescue