Crane falls onto Tappan Zee Bridge

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The boom of a large construction crane toppled onto the Tappan Zee Bridge Tuesday blocking all lanes of the span which connects Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York for several hours.

Three Northbound lanes reopened shortly after 5:15 p.m.  Three southbound lanes were open by 8 p.m.  A fourth southbound lane was to remain closed until further notice.

Rockland County officials said five people were injured including two construction workers and three motorists who crashed trying to avoid the crane. None of the injuries was considered life-threatening.

"Miraculously, there were no serious injuries," said Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who briefed reporters at the scene. "If you said to me that a boom could fall across the Tappan Zee Bridge at noon, not hit a car... I would not believe it."

Damage was discovered on the Tappan Zee Bridge after the incident, according to Rockland County Executive Ed Day.  He says there is no ETA for reopening.

PHOTOS:  CRANE COLLAPSE


The boom of the red crane, which was positioned on another bridge that will eventually replace the current span, landed on the Rockland side.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area as traffic was backed-up for several miles in both directions.

The Bear Mountain Bridge and George Washington Bridge are alternates.