Three firms fined over deadly New York crane collapse

Three construction firms have been fined a total of £176,000 over a March crane collapse in New York that killed seven people and demolished a townhouse.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said the accident happened when a torn and tattered web sling used to haul parts of the 19-storey crane ripped open.

The federal agency said the two-year-old sling bore cuts and snags before the accident.

It said when the sling ripped it dropped the crane’s collar onto I-beams that connected the crane to the tower, causing it to plunge onto a street below and demolish a townhouse on the way down.

Six workers and a woman in the townhouse were killed in the March 15 accident.

OSHA fined crane erector Rapetti Rigging Services £123,000 for failing to inspect slings that had rubbed up against corners and protrusions.

General contractor Reliance Contractors Group was fined £11,000 and concrete subcontractor Joy Contractors £41,000 for various safety breaches.

Following the accident, a New York City construction site inspector was charged with falsely claiming he had inspected the crane 11 days before the accident.

A Buildings Department investigation is yet to be completed.