On Thursday afternoon, in Fort Lauderdale’s downtown area, parts of a crane fell on the road of a drawbridge. It is possible that at least two cars were involved or struck. Rescue crews confirmed, there was one death and other injuries caused by the wreckage hitting at least one vehicle. The accident is reported to have killed a construction worker.
A crane was being installed on a building adjacent to the bridge’s approach. When a failure occurred, the crane was still in the process. Two large mast sections are reported to have fallen, one on a vehicle and possibly the other beside the bridge. One of the main sections fell and trapped a vehicle. The crane segments fell about a hundred feet. Two motorists were hospitalized after being injured on the Bridgeway.
DEVELOPING – A portion of a crane has crashed onto a bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale, crushing a car. The latest here: https://t.co/B6jnmsXfpr pic.twitter.com/VWHK7GRb14
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) April 4, 2024
New River cuts through the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and you’ll find several drawbridges there. The Southeast Third Avenue Bridge, where taller buildings were built along that street. It is a relief that there were no more cars and people involved, given the time and location.
The bridge appears to be inoperable, and for the time being, road traffic as well as waterway traffic is affected. The bridge will be closed to larger watercraft trying to access the western part of the river or those who want to.
🚨#BREAKING: A portion of a crane has collapsed onto vehicles causing injuries and fatalities
📌#FortLauderdale | #Flordia
Currently Numerous emergency crews are currently on the scene in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after portion crane collapsed onto a bridge, landing… pic.twitter.com/BetKRPEWSm
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 4, 2024
This is a breaking story. As soon as we receive any new information, we will update you.
