That crane that collapsed in LIC on January 9 picked up too heavy a load

Image source: Times Ledger

According to the Times Ledger, the Department of Buildings has figured out why that crane collapsed a couple of weeks ago in LIC – it was trying to lift a load that was way too heavy for its capacity. Here’s the deal:

“As a result of our preliminary investigation, it appears that the operator was attempting to lift a load of 23,900 pounds — more than double the weight capacity for this particular crane.” Apparently part of the reason this happened is that the “operator was unable to see the materials being lifted and was attempting to lift those materials outside of the approved loading zone.”

This accident caused seven people to become injured enough to have to go to the hospital – five went to Elmhurst Hospital Center and two went to Weill Cornell Medical Center.

The person operating the crane was Paul Greer – his license has been suspended. New York Crane leased this construction site to Cross Country Construction in Elmsford, NY. New York Crane is owned by James Lomma, who was involved with another crane collapse in 2008 on the UES, where he was charged with manslaughter, though acquitted in 2012 of all charges.

LIC crane picked up too large load: DOB [Times Ledger]