10 injured after piece of mechanical equipment being lifted by crane broke free in Manhattan

NEW YORK — New York City officials say a piece of mechanical equipment being lifted by a crane at an office building in Manhattan broke free and fell about 28 stories to the sidewalk below. Ten people including two construction workers were injured, but none of the injuries was considered life-threatening.

Police say the call came in around 10:45 a.m. Sunday, May 31st.

Officers who responded to the high-rise building in Midtown East found that a crane's payload heading to the top of the building had broken free. It fell to the sidewalk, shearing the side of the building along the way. The building is wider at the base, and narrows at the higher floors.

Streets were closed in the surrounding area. Officials say an investigation will determine the cause.