CBS New York reports at least three drivers and two workers were hurt when a 300-ton Manitowoc MLC300 crawler crane collapsed onto the old Tappan Zee Bridge. It is unknown how big of an impact this will have on the new Tappan Zee bridge construction.
Images from the scene showed a mess of mangled metal scattered across the roadway after the crane toppled off the new Tappan Zee Bridge around noon Tuesday.
It’s still unclear what caused the crane to collapse. Authorities said three drivers were hurt when they swerved to avoid the crane after it came crashing down. Two bridge workers were also injured.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day said none of the victims were seriously hurt, according to a message on the county’s official Twitter page.
First responders from several agencies were on the scene, including marine units and helicopters. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also en route and is expected to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
All traffic on the bridge was closed following the incident and the New York State Department of Transportation is urging drivers to avoid the area.
The DOT said northbound traffic was being detoured at exit 8 in White Plains while southbound traffic was being rerouted at exit 12 in WestNyack.
Day said the integrity of the bridge is being evaluated.
“We want to be confident that the bridge structure is still in place and the corp of engineers has been notified to respond as rapidly as possible to ascertain the condition,” Day told WCBS 880.
Construction on the new Tappan Zee Bridge has been underway for three years. The $3.9 billion project, which is being built alongside the old span, is expected to be completed by 2018.
In March, three crew members were killed when their 90-foot tugboat sank after it hit a construction barge near the bridge site.
