FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release 08-03
May 30, 2008

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NYC OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM) PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY’S RESPONSE TO EAST SIDE CRANE COLLAPSE

American Red Cross Reception Center for Evacuees Opened at P.S. 198, 1700 Third Avenue between 95^th and 96^th Streets

The New York City Office of Emergency Management continues to coordinate the City’s response to the crane collapse at 1^st Avenue and 91^st Street, in Manhattan. OEM, along with the Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department (FDNY), Police Department (NYPD), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Department of Homeless Services, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Small Business Services (SBS), American Red Cross in Greater New York, the Salvation Army and Con Edison are all operating on scene.

Building Assessments

The Buildings Department has completed a preliminary assessment of the construction site at 335 East 91^st Street and determined the structure did not sustain damage from the crane collapse. The Buildings Department has ordered the general contractor to secure material, remove loose debris, and repair safety netting to maintain safety on the job site. While a Stop Work Order has been issued for construction operations, the general contractor is required to carry out this remedial work.

Buildings Department forensic engineers have completed a visual inspection of the building at 354 Eat 91^st Street. The Buildings Department has confirmed the overall structural integrity of the building is sound, but there are damaged portions of the building’s exterior that must be removed or secured. Engineers are conducting a follow-up visual inspection to identify the next steps to secure the damaged portions of the building and contractors are standing by to providing sidewalk sheds and remove any debris.

Tower Crane Assessment

The Buildings Department and the engineer of record for the crane have determined that the tower mast attached to the new building under construction at 335 East 91^st Street is secure.

Forensic Investigation

The preliminary investigation indicates the crane cab, boom, and machine deck separated from the tower mast and collapsed onto the street after hitting the building at 354 East 91^st Street. The tower crane was not being jumped, erected, or dismantled at the time of the incident. Preliminary reports indicate the tower crane was being used at the time of the incident by the crane user (concrete subcontractor), Sobara Construction Corporation. Buildings forensic engineers and inspectors are investigating the cause of the accident.

Vacated Buildings

As a precaution DOB and FDNY have temporarily vacated eight buildings in the vicinity of the crane collapse. There are a total of 212 residential units and 10 commercial units subject to the vacate order. The Buildings Department is working to lift the vacate orders as soon as this evening. The addresses of the vacated buildings are:

• 335 East 91^st Street. This is the new building under construction.
  • 400 East 91^st Street. There are 13 residential units and 1 commercial unit.
  • 1752 1st Avenue. There are 5 residential units and 1 commercial unit.
  • 1750 1st Avenue. There are 11 residential units and 1 commercial unit.
  • 404 East 91^st Street. There 4 residential units.
  • 403-405 East 91^st Street. There are 4 commercial units.
  • 1756 1st Avenue/401 East 91st Street. There are 12 residential units and 2 commercial units.
  • 354 East 91st Street, Manhattan. There are 163 residential units and 1 commercial unit

NYPD escorts are available for residents of 354 East 91^st Street who wish to retrieve personal belongings. Residents can meet escorts from NYPD Community Affairs at 91^st Street and 2^nd Avenue.

Removing the Crane Debris

The Department of Buildings is working with the Police Department to remove and secure all necessary portions of the tower crane as part of the forensic investigation into the cause of the collapse.

Street Closures

A number of streets in the area remain closed to accommodate rescue and recovery operations. The following streets remain closed to traffic:

• 1st Avenue between East 86th Street and East 94th Street
• East 91st Street between York Avenue and 2nd Avenue
• East 90^th Street between 2nd Avenue and York Avenue

Turns are also restricted onto 1st Avenue between East 79th Street and East 86th Street. Advisories are in place on the George Washington Bridge, NY State Thruway and LaGuardia Airport. Travelers are advised to avoid the east side of Manhattan.

Pedestrian traffic is restricted at the intersection of 91^st Street and 1^st Avenue and on 91^st Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues. However NYPD escorts are available for residents and business owners in the affected area.

Reception Center for Evacuated Residents

The City and the American Red Cross have opened a reception center for people who have been evacuated from their homes because of the collapse. The reception center is located at P.S. 198 at 1700 3rd Ave. OEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are assisting the American Red Cross at the reception center.

The City of New York will remain on scene until recovery operations are completed. Updates on road closures, towed vehicles and vacated residential units will continue to be made available through 311 and OEM’s website at www.NYC.gov/oem.

CONTACT: Chris Gilbride, (OEM) (718) 422-4888