1K Midtown Residents Displaced, Streets Closed After Crane Collapse

MIDTOWN, GA — At least 1,000 residents are displaced and a number of street closures were established after a crane partially collapsed Monday afternoon, causing damage to a West Peachtree building and injuring four people, Atlanta city officials said Tuesday.

Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick M. Smith said at a news conference fire crews responded to 1020 W. Peachtree St., where a mechanical failure of a crane had taken place. The building had been evacuated, and the upper floors of the structure suffered a partial collapse.

Residents are asked to stay away from their homes, and the American Red Cross is assisting them to provide shelter, Smith said.

Atlanta Transportation Commissioner Solomon Caviness IV said the state transportation department is helping to monitor traffic conditions and operations.

He said there was a closure at Spring Street, between 10th and 12th streets, and on West Peachtree Street.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum asked people to use MARTA and take alternative routes to get around the closed area.

Four workers had non-threatening injuries due to the collapse, officials said. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the situation could have been "a whole lot worse."

Smith said the crane began to fragment after one of its counter weights became dislodged. When the crane fell, it caused damage to the building.

Dickens said crane operators are working to disassemble it and neutralize it "so further damage is not done."

The Georgia Occupational Safety and Health Administration is overseeing the safety measures of the cranes in the area, Smith said.