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Construction Worker Killed In 'Freak' Crane Accident In Midtown
By
Ben Yakas
Published Apr 25, 2015
Modified Apr 25, 2015
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Apr 25, 2015
Modified Apr 25, 2015
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Yesterday, a construction worker was killed after a malfunctioning crane crushed him to death in Midtown.
Worker Trevor Loftus, 40, had been checking his boom truck’s leaky hydraulic system when he was pinned underneath the crane around 11:45 a.m. at 219 East 44th Street near 2nd Avenue. Apparently a hose burst just as he was inspecting the truck, which caused the crane’s arm to collapse. "The hydraulics malfunctioned and the victim was caught between the knuckle boom and the flatbed itself," said FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph Carlsen.
"Everybody went crazy," witness Miguel Sarmiento told the News. "The working guys — they were trying to help him." The building has been under construction since last year; a 35-story Even Hotel is under development there.
Loftus was pronounced dead at the scene; no one else was injured in the accident. He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. Friends tell the Post that Loftus had emigrated from Ireland to the United States 15 years ago, and owns Kenry Contracting Inc. out of Yonkers.
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crane
crane collapse
death
midtown
midtown east
trevor loftus
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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