More than two years after a tower crane caught fire and collapsed onto 10th Avenue, a detailed forensic report commissioned by the New York City Department of Buildings has revealed a troubling timeline of missed inspections, outdated parts and prior warnings that went unheeded.

FDNY drone shots from Wednesday's crane fire at 550 10th Avenue.FDNY drone shots from the crane fire at 550 10th Avenue in July 2023. Photo: FDNY

The 968-page report, prepared by engineering firm Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP along with crane and fire safety consultants, examined the July 26, 2023 incident that shocked Hell’s Kitchen when a crane atop 550 10th Avenue on the corner of W41st Street burst into flames while hoisting a 14,000-pound bucket of concrete. 

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Phil O'Brien Portrait

Publisher & Editor Phil O’Brien is an entrepreneur and journalist. As an international photojournalist, he photographed Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana and many others. He built a successful international sports photography agency, EMPICS, that was Getty Images’ major competitor in Europe when it sold. He founded a children’s charity in the UK that has helped young people through sport for over 15 years. Phil has lived in New York since 2012. He founded W42ST in 2014.


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