New York City construction crane catches fire and partially collapses on top of Manhattan high-rise

A construction crane mounted above a building in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood of New York City caught fire and partially collapsed on Wednesday morning.

Videos taken from the incident show the crane ablaze for several moments before the arm of the crane fell into the building next to it and onto the street.

As it fell, people standing beneath the crane ran frantically for safety, as fragments showered down.

Photos taken from the surrounding areas depict the thick dark smoke rising from the crane and collecting above 41st Street and Tenth Avenue.

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) said units were “currently operating at a crane collapse and fire at 550 Tenth Avenue” on Twitter.

Firefighters have requested assistance from a master rigger and crane supervisor, according to ABC 7 NY.

As of now, no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Mayor Eric Adams’ office tweeted urging people to avoid Tenth and Eleventh Avenue from West 41st Street to West 42nd Street.

Residents in nearby buildings are being evacuated as a precautionary measure and the surrounding streets are closed.

It is unclear how the crane caught fire.

The Independent has reached out to the FDNY and NYPD for comment.

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