Colby Hamilton, Writer, WNYC News
Colby Hamilton is a general assignment reporter. He originally joined WNYC as a political blogger. He's a proud graduate of the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.
DOB Faults Crane Operator in Queens Collapse
Thursday, January 10, 2013
City investigators say the operator of the 170 foot-tall crane that collapsed at a Queens construction site Wednesday is at fault.
In a statement, Department of Buildings' commissioner Robert Limandri says Paul Geer was attempting to lift more than double the weight capacity of the crane he was operating. The agency is suspending his license.
Building's department investigators believe Geer could not see the load he was attempting to lift, which they say was happening outside of an approved loading zone.
Witness on Wednesday reported hearing a cable snap as the crane tried to lift what investigators say was nearly 24,000 pounds of wood. Moments later the crane collapsed.
The Department of Buildings says the construction site had no significant history of safety violations before the accident, which injured seven workers.
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