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MTA: Crane In Midtown Accident Was Scheduled To Be Inspected This Week
Updated 04/04/2012 10:24 PM
By: NY1 News

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says a follow-up inspection on the crane involved in the Tuesday's deadly collapse in Midtown Manhattan had originally been scheduled for Thursday.

Transit officials say an inspection in January could not be finished by the Buildings Department, since the crane was in operation at the time.

This news came as City Council Speaker Christine Quinn demanded on Wednesday that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, like other state agencies, use city rules for crane use on their projects.

The city tightened its rules on crane use following two deadly collapses in 2008, but state agencies do not currently have to follow them.

Quinn said they should have to follow the same regulations for projects within the city, including submitting an engineer's report on the use and placement of cranes.

"We need the MTA and other state agencies to give the city oversight and authority at these construction sites," said Quinn. "In fact, the MTA should follow the lead of the Port Authority, that has enters into a memorandum of understanding with the city around crane safety issues."

The MTA says it follows state building codes, but is examining Quinn's proposal.

Michael Simmermeyer, 30, was killed Tuesday when two pieces of a crane dislodged and crashed down Tuesday night and another worker was injured.

Fire officials believe a cable on the crane snapped.




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