Miami

2 Hurt as Crane Collapses on Multiple Homes in Lauderhill

Two people including crane operator and man in home injured, fire rescue officials say

Two people were hurt when a crane collapsed on multiple homes in Lauderhill Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

The incident happened in the 4300 block of Northwest 11th Street. Lauderhill Fire Rescue officials said a man who was inside one of the homes was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Relatives said 25-year-old Johncarry Dorilas was in his dining room when the roof collapsed.

The crane operator was also injured and was treated at the scene.

Officials said they were also checked on the occupants of the homes to make sure no one was trapped inside.

Footage showed the massive crane toppled on its side and laying on the roofs of at least two homes.

"I just heard a loud thump like a earthquake shaking," neighbor Dwight Webbe said. "I just peeked outside to see what was going on, next thing helicopters and I hear the sirens coming."

Officials said a crew contracted by Florida Power & Light was installing new power poles when the collapse happened. At least one roof was badly damaged and the collapse may have knocked down some power lines. More than 50 homes lost power and water in the neighborhood. 

"At some point during the operation, the crane lost stability. We are still under investigation trying to determine what that cause was. It lost stability and the crane fell towards the houses," said Asst. Chief Jeff Levy of Lauderhill Fire Rescue. 

"We are aware of a serious incident that happened in Lauderhill earlier today. Unfortunately, a crane operated by a contractor tipped over onto two homes while installing power poles. We are unable to provide any further information on this incident," FPL said in a statement.

OSHA officials said they are investigating the collapse.

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