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Apr 08, 2025

Cranes Crash Through Scaffolding, Shutting Down 9th Avenue

A section of 9th Avenue was shut down on Friday afternoon after two cranes fell onto scaffolding at the corner of W38th Street. Video from a nearby store showed how pedestrians and drivers on 9th

A section of 9th Avenue was shut down on Friday afternoon after two cranes fell onto scaffolding at the corner of W38th Street. Video from a nearby store showed how pedestrians and drivers on 9th Avenue had a lucky escape.

The FDNY responded to a call at 3:07pm, reporting a scaffold collapse at the 12-story building currently under development. The incident forced authorities to close a major stretch of 9th Avenue — a crucial route for Lincoln Tunnel-bound traffic — and initially divert vehicles east along W38th Street.

According to the FDNY, a small red Spyder crane positioned on the roof was lifting a second crane when they fell, striking the scaffolding and bringing it down onto the street below. A nearby tree was also damaged, with debris scattered across the sidewalk and roadway.

On March 25, the Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a partial stop work order due to the use of a mini Spyder crane on site without the proper permit. The order was fully rescinded yesterday (Thursday) following approval for the use of a UNIC Spyder Crane 596 (pictured below).

Firefighters arrived swiftly and conducted initial safety checks, confirming that no construction workers or pedestrians were injured. Crews remained on site waiting for inspectors from the Department of Buildings to assess the scene.

Surveillance video from a store next to the building site shows cars heading south along 9th Avenue and a man and woman walking towards the scene of the collapse. The couple rush into the road as scaffolding falls and debris flies across 9th Avenue. In the video, the blocks that hold adjacent scaffolding are seen to move and become dislodged.

The building site, known as Vita, has been a lightning rod for community tension for years. Once home to long-term tenants, the property has changed hands amid allegations of landlord negligence and legal maneuvering that displaced residents while reaping large profits.

In a statement late Friday, the DOB confirmed that a mini crane on the roof of the 12-story structure was attempting to hoist a second mini crane from the ninth to the tenth floor when it became dislodged, sending both pieces of equipment crashing down onto the sidewalk shed below and causing its collapse. No injuries were reported. The site’s general contractor is now preparing a recovery plan. While traffic has resumed on 9th Avenue between W37th and W39th Street, one lane remains closed as investigations continue.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.