In a dramatic incident that caused panic among New Yorkers, a construction crane hanging 45 stories above the street caught fire and partially collapsed onto a nearby high-rise building in Hell’s Kitchen on Wednesday morning.

The chaotic scene resulted in injuries to a dozen people as residents and passersby scrambled for safety.

The crane operator was inside the cabin, busy lifting 16 tons of concrete at 550 Tenth Ave., when a fire suddenly erupted in the engine compartment around 7:30 a.m.

Attempting to control the flames, the operator used a fire extinguisher but was eventually forced to flee for his life as the fire rapidly spread, as reported by FDNY First Deputy Fire Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer.

The top section of the colossal crane then collapsed, striking a building across the street at 555 Tenth Ave. before crashing down onto the street below, as captured in dramatic footage, the New York Post has reported.

Initially, officials reported six injuries, including two firefighters, with one of them hospitalized due to chest pains, and four others injured by falling debris.

However, the FDNY later updated the total number of injured to 12, with three of them being firefighters. Fortunately, all the injuries were minor.

The construction crane was in operation for a 45-story building under construction near Hudson Yards, situated between West 41st and West 42nd streets when the fire broke out, according to officials.

Written by staff