Debris falls from spinning crane atop 'skinniest' building in world

NEW YORK - A stop-work worker was issued for the skyscraper under construction in Midtown Manhattan where a crane began spinning in strong winds Thursday evening, sending debris falling to the ground below, officials said.

Video posted to social media showed the top of the crane revolving in a full circle in rainy weather at the building, which has topped out at over 1,400 feet. The crane is designed to turn in the wind during windy weather.

More than 100 firefighters started operations at the building shortly before 7 p.m. The Buildings Department sent inspectors. Traffic was shut down in the area, and subway trains were rerouted.

Fire officials said they discovered a cable hanging from the boom of the crane that was a little lower than it should have been. It spun and hit the building, knocking large sections of glass and aluminum debris from the building. The crane was never in danger of collapsing, according to the Department of Buildings.

“Our technical engineers are back on scene today, working to determine exactly how this incident occurred, and who is responsible for this serious safety lapse," said Buildings Department spokesperson Andrew Rudansky in an email Friday. "New York City has the strongest crane regulation in the country in place to protect the public, and an incident like this is unacceptable. We have stopped all work at the project, except operations to secure the site and make it safe. ”

The Steinway Tower, at 111 West 57th Street near Sixth Avenue, is dubbed the 'skinniest' building in the world. It was developed by JDS Construction Group. A message was left with the company.

The NYPD is asking New Yorkers to avoid the area of West 57th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues as they investigate the incident.

The MTA announced several subway changes as a result of the incident, with F trains bypassing 57th Street in both directions. Buses were also diverted.

In 2019, FOX 5 NY was given an exclusive tour of the building, located on Billionaires' Row. The 1,428-foot tower is 24-times taller than it is wide and has only one residence per floor. Some are duplexes. There are 60 apartments in total in the 82-story building. It was expected to be completed this year.

With the Associated Press.