Hudson Yards Crane Fire, Collapse Injures 6: Mayor

MIDTOWN, NY — Flames erupted in a crane that collapsed in Hudson Yards early Wednesday morning, sending its 16-ton load and parts of the crane careening down to 10th Avenue and injuring six, officials said.

"Actually it is a good morning," said Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference less than two hours after the blaze broke out. "This could have been much worse."

The fire broke out inside the crane's engine compartment atop a 54-story mixed-use building at 550 10th Ave. between 10th and 11th avenues about 7:30 a.m., according to officials.

Deputy Fire Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer told reporters the crane was lifting a 16-ton load when the blaze started.

The operator tried to douse the flames using a fire extinguisher, but was soon overwhelmed and safely escaped the crane's cabin, officials said.

The flames weakened the cables holding the massive concrete load and sent it — and parts of the crane — flying 45 stories down, with parts of it crashing into a luxyry condo building at 555 10th Ave., Pfeifer said.

Bystanders captured dramatic video footage from the scene of the moment the crane collapsed into the building and to the street below.

More than 200 firefighters and emergency personal responded and drone footage showed that the flames were mostly extinguished by 9 a.m., Pfeifer said.

Firefighters appeared to be drawing water from the rooftop swimming pool at 555 10th Ave. to fight the flames, according to W42ST.

Six people on the ground, including two firefighters, suffered minor injuries, according to officials. One firefighter was sent to the hospital with complaints of chest pains, Pfeifer said.

Emergency responders evacuated neighboring buildings so that buildings department officials could check structural stability, said Buildings commissioner James Oddo.

Oddo told reporters that all contractors related to the crane, including crane owner New York Crane & Equipment Corp, will be investigated to determine what happened.

"It's not about luck," Mayor Adams said, "it's about making sure that people who are above our skyline are doing it correctly," adding that a preliminary investigation found all permits and documentation for the site appeared to be in order.

Police officials were advising New Yorkers to avoid 10th and 11th avenues from West 41st to 42nd streets as of 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The site where the crane was working, 550 10th Ave., is a 47-story residential building developed by the Gotham Organization.