Cleanup continues after Manhattan crane fire, partial collapse

By Alice Gainer, John Dias, Zinnia Maldonado

Updated on: July 27, 2023 / 11:19 PM / CBS New York

NEW YORK -- The cleanup continued Thursday after Wednesday's crane fire and partial collapse in Hell's Kitchen.

About a dozen people, including three firefighters, suffered minor injuries.

Traffic opened up along 10th Avenue on Thursday evening after crews removed the boom.

Yotel, next door to the crane fire, was still closed after being evacuated Wednesday. Everyone had to find somewhere else to stay Wednesday night. Thursday, they were allowed back inside to get their things, but they still can't stay.

Some guests were still scrambling to find new arrangements.

One family from Denmark took video of the collapse from the 24th floor of their hotel Wednesday morning.

"It sounded like thunder," one person said.

"Police told them they can't open," one person said.

"I want to cry," said another.

One woman visiting from Spain had planned her trip for months. She's not sure where she's going Thursday night.

Workers were lifting 16 tons of concrete at the time of the accident. A high-ranking city official told CBS2 the preliminary cause of the five-alarm fire may have been hydraulic fluid that leaked onto a heated metal plate near the engine of the crane.

"It's pretty high pressure, the hydraulics in order to work at that height and operate with the weights that it does," said Farmingdale State College Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Technology Michael Shenoda. "Once a fire like that gets out of control, it's look out below, because steel is very vulnerable and susceptible to fire, weakens very quickly."

The Department of Buildings said all permits and inspections were up to date. The crane was just inspected last month.

According to the DOB, the fire-damaged crane is stable and there's no evidence it poses an immediate risk.

As for the people from Denmark and Spain who planned to stay at Yotel, it's their first time in New York City. They said they'll never forget it, and they're happy no one was seriously injured, themselves included.

There is some good news for commuters using the Lincoln Tunnel. Drivers can now head north to 40th or 42nd streets.

Alice Gainer joined CBS2 as a reporter and anchor in January 2013. She covers breaking, feature and general assignment stories.

First published on July 27, 2023 / 6:58 AM

NEW YORK --