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Giant Billboard Crashes Down On BQE Near Metropolitan Ave. In Williamsburg
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 13, 2012
Modified Jan 13, 2012
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 13, 2012
Modified Jan 13, 2012
Share
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A billboard on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Meeker Ave. and Metropolitan Ave. has collapsed and fallen onto the highway and street below. The billboard fell 200 feet, and is blocking off traffic on the BQE. The National Weather Service had issued a Wind Advisory for the tristate region this morning, with winds hitting up to 45 MPH. We'll update as we learn more information.
Authorities say the billboard, which is 200 x 300 feet, came down due to those high winds at 421 Meeker Avenue. No injuries have been reported yet, but the Juan Zapil Car Wash is listed at that address as well.
The FDNY has confirmed a gas leak at the scene. The BQE is being cleared by emergency workers—the BQE is now partially reopened, but traffic westbound is very heavy.
"I was afraid it was going to fall and kill us,” Luis Ortega told DNAInfo, adding that he heard similar shaking last week and wasn't surprised the billboard came down. "It was shaking and making sounds. I said to people it was going to fall.”
Tagged
accident
billboard
bqe
brooklyn
highway
metropolitan avenue
traffic
williamsburg
winds
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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