Wow, what a mess.. Here is a raw video.

The crane was lifting material and something heavy fell off. It landed on one of the supports that attach the crane to the building, causing it to snap and setting off an unfortunate sequence of events.

Crane Collapses In Midtown; 4 Dead

NEW YORK — A massive crane has collapsed onto several neighboring buildings on the east side of Manhattan, killing at least four people, firefighters said.

At least nine others were injured, three critically. A full rescue operation is under way in the rubble-strewn area near 51st Street and Second Avenue.

Chopper 4 images show that at least three buildings seem to be directly affected by the collapse, while at least another three buildings sustained collateral damage. One small, brick apartment building appeared to have been completely crushed by the falling wreckage.

The crane, about 19 stories tall, toppled around 2:20 p.m, and came to rest against a nearby apartment tower, buckling its side. That building and others in the area were evacuated, fire officials said.

The crane was running up the side of a skyscraper that was under construction, and apparently collapsed backwards affecting an area a city-block wide, officials said.

A report from Borough President Scott Stringer’s office said the building where the crane was operating had nine open violations, including failure to have a site security manager present and working without a permit.

Witnesses report hearing a massive rumble as the crane split apart. Neighborhood residents said they had complained to the city several times about the construction at the site, saying crews worked illegal hours and the building was going up too fast.

According to The Associated Press, the crane split into pieces as it fell. Part of it came to rest against an apartment tower, buckling its facade and smashing it upper floors. That building and others in the area were evacuated. Another piece of the crane hit other buildings on the block, ripping away walls and ceilings and crushing a small building.

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