JUNE 1, 2015
The NYC Department of Buildings says the investigation into what caused Sunday's crane accident that sent a massive air conditioning unit plummeting nearly 30 stories in Midtown is ongoing.
Madison Avenue remains closed between 34th and 39th streets.
The NYC DOB says it will examine the crane's entire history as part of the process. It will also look into all crane work in the city by the same company.
The 23,000 pound commercial AC unit broke free around 11 a.m. as it was being lifted into a building located at 261 Madison Avenue.
It scraped the side of the building and came crashing down to the street, resulting in a small water main break.
Ten people were hurt, including two construction workers.
None of the injuries is said to be life-threatening.
"There was a loud noise and my sister and I went to the window and we saw a lot of smoke," said one witness. "After the smoke dissipated we saw the remnants of a construction container, where it was broken clearly. And a bunch of construction workers ushering people away."
The crane was eventually taken down and carted away for further study.
The building was empty at the time of the accident.
The Department of Buildings says all of the permits were in place for the work to be done.
The building's management corporation, the Sapir Organization, released a statement saying they are "Assessing and repairing the damages caused by yesterday's incident, and working closely with and in cooperation with the NYPD, FDNY, and NYDOB. Our first priority remains people's safety, ensuring no more injuries occur and that the building is safe and operational for our tenants."
The NYPD says the streets are expected to open back up Tuesday.