Luffer collapses in US hurricane

Buildings were evacuated in New York City yesterday after a luffing jib tower crane collapsed as Hurricane Sandy hit the USA east coast.

The external climbing luffing jib crane had been working on a high-rise apartment block in Manhatten. Pictures taken at the scene suggest the jib of the crane, which belongs to Pinnacle, buckled in winds reaching 90 mph, but did not separate from the slewing ring. Instead, the weight of the upper works seem to have been partially supported by the winch frame.

According to local reports workers are attempting to secure the site, but until then surrounding streets and buildings have been evacuated. As yet there are no reports of any injuries connected to the incident. More details about the crane will follow as the information becomes available.