Construction Workers Dies After Being Thrown from Small Crane

Yesterday, a construction worker died after being thrown from a small crane on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens. A truck had crashed into it, and witnesses say there were "no warning cones around it, and the boom started swinging back and forth." Two workers who had been wearing safety harnesses survived, the worker who died was reportedly not wearing a hardhat. The truck's driver was not issued a summons, as the police believe the driver "simply lost control," while the Buildings Department issued a stop work order at the site for other violations.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 16, 2008 12:25 PM

Comments [rss]

Art Vandelay

It's a lift or a hoist. Don't try to capitalize on crane-paranoia by calling it a crane.

Guest

I saw the aftermath of this when I was walking home from the gym but didn't stop to find out exactly what happened. It should have been reported that the small crane, aka a cherry picker, was hit by a semi-trailer truck, aka an eighteen wheeler; not just a truck which could confuse it with a pickup truck.

drewo

The truck's driver was not issued a summons, as the police believe the driver "simply lost control,"

To all drivers: after you cause an accident, kill or maim your fellow New Yorker, add this to the list of acceptable excuses that will ensure you are not charged with any crime or driving violation.

Other acceptable excuses include:

- the accelerator was stuck/brakes did not work

- had a seizure

- did not see anyone or anything

Happy driving!