Two huge cranes atop Miami highrises collapse
MIAMI — Two cranes atop highrise buildings under construction collapsed Sunday in downtown Miami amid strong winds from hurricane Irma.
The cranes were among two dozen such heavyweight hazards looming over the city skyline as the monster storm powered across the state.
No injuries were reported after either crash, said Miami city manager Daniel Alfonso.
The first crane fell in a bayfront area filled with hotels and highrise condo and office buildings, near the American-Airlines Arena, where the NBA’s Miami Heat play.
It was stationary after the collapse, according to the contractor operating the crane.
“All possible preparations and precautions were taken, but we believe that a micro-tornado struck this area, compromising the crane. Again, we’re grateful there have been no injuries,” said John Leete, Moriarty executive vice-president.
A crew will be dispatched to secure the crane as soon as weather conditions improve, developer Ryan Shear, a principal of Property Markets Group, said in an emailed statement.
“All we care about is the safety of everyone right now,” Shear said.
The second crane collapsed at another site farther north along the water. The site has multiple towers in the Gran Paraiso by the Bay development, Alfonso said.
The city has contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and neighbours in nearby buildings, Alfonso said.
Some two dozen other cranes in the city remained upright. There wasn’t time before Irma approached Florida to move the massive equipment, with counterbalances weighing up to 30,000 pounds.
Moving the cranes would have taken two weeks, city officials said. Only a few companies are certified to do that kind of work, said Dan Whiteman, vice chair of Coastal Construction.
Abby Ape’s 14th-floor apartment has a view of the toppled crane. “We heard a loud crack toward the bay,” Ape said. “The top portion that most people see is broken in half.”
Though 180 kilometres from Irma’s landfall in the Florida Keys, hurricane-force winds from the 640-kilometre-wide storm were being felt through the Miami area. Gusts over 145 km/h were reported at Miami International Airport. The National Hurricane Center said winds hitting upper floors of highrise buildings are significantly stronger than near ground level.