Here’s what we know about the Midtown Atlanta crane failure

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Several streets in Midtown Atlanta remain closed off after a crane failure caused a partial building collapse Monday afternoon.

It happened just before 3 p.m. along the 1000 block of West Peachtree Street. Two floors of the 26-story condominium complex under construction were significantly damaged after a component of the crane fell onto the top portion of the building. An Atlanta Fire Department spokesperson said it happened between the 9th and 10th floors.

RELATED: 4 injured after crane, partial building collapse in Midtown, officials say

According to a news release by Midtown Blue, West Peachtree and Spring Streets between 10th and 12th Streets remain blocked off until further notice. Fire officials tell Atlanta News First their priority is safety and making sure nothing else collapses.

VIDEO: Atlanta News First drone shows damage from the Midtown Atlanta building partial collapse

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, along with police, fire, and transportation officials held a news conference Tuesday to provide an update on response efforts.

HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

What happened?

A mechanical crane failure resulted in a partial collapse of a building under construction. According to investigators, one of the support members of the crane failed and the crane fell onto the top portion of the building between the 9th and 10th floors.

Crews are now working to stabilize the crane and make sure another collapse doesn’t occur.

Who is impacted?

At least four construction workers were sent to the hospital with minor injuries. They were treated and released last night. Residents in Tens West Apartment Complex, which stands adjacent to the structure, were evacuated and have not been cleared to return.

When will residents be allowed back?

During a news conference held Tuesday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said there is currently no timeline on when residents will be allowed back to their homes.

Which roads are impacted?

Drivers should expect street closures and traffic delays within the one-block radius surrounding the building. West Peachtree and Spring Streets between 10th and 12th Streets remain closed until further notice.

Transportation officials are urging motorists to plan alternate routes or consider taking MARTA instead.

Who is investigating?

Atlanta police and fire officials are leading response efforts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated inspections with Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC and Maxim LP following the collapse.

Has this happened before?

There have been several reported construction incidents in the Midtown area over the past several years.

In September 2020, seven workers were injured when a parking garage collapsed at what is now Emory Hospital Midtown.

In February 2021, crews spent two days working to stabilize a crane at West Peachtree and 13th Street.

Full statement from Balfour Beatty:

“We are thankful to report that the four injured workers from yesterday’s incident have been treated and released last night. Our thoughts continue to be with these individuals and their families and we wish them a speedy recovery. The crane at the 1018 West Peachtree construction project was successfully stabilized and now requires dismantling. The Balfour Beatty team, crane engineers, OSHA, and local authorities are currently working to develop a crane dismantling plan and timeline to ensure the project site and adjacent residential building are safe and secure. The site and surrounding area remain closed until crane dismantling operations are complete and we are partnering with property management to provide displaced residents with temporary accommodations. Balfour Beatty is committed to the safety of the public and the project site and we will continue to work diligently to ensure impacted residents can return home as soon as safely possible. We continue to work closely with local authorities and OSHA during this thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.”

Editor’s Note: Atlanta News First misidentified the name and developer of the building where the incident took place. The Atlanta Police Department initially said the incident occurred at 1020 Spring Street. Portman Holdings and HKS are not involved with this project.

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