NYC CRANE COLLAPSE: TRAGEDY STRUCK FAMILY OF HARVARD-EDUCATED IMMIGRANT
Update…NYC crane collapse leaves many in shock A 38-year-old man was killed this morning when a construction crane collapsed in Lower Manhattan while it was being lowered and secured due to the heavy wind and snow. Wichs had exited his car and was standing alongside it when the crane fell onto the street, crushing him.
He is fondly remembered by his family and friends as a tireless worker, dedicated and determined to succeed. The NYC crane collapsed into a row of parked cars when it toppled over onto Worth Street near Church Street at about 8:30 a.m. this morning amid a fierce winter storm. The lone fatality of the crane collapse, identified by police just hours after the accident, was David Wichs, a resident of the Upper West Side on West 81st Street. In a situation like this, a NYC crane accident attorney can help the family move on.
Who Was David Wichs?
Some of the first responders to the scene, police officers from the Seargeant’s Benevolent Association office across the street, found Wichs, crushed under the crane, beside his car. Wichs was born in Prague and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, eventually graduating with a degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
After obtaining his degree, he worked in finance and, at the time of his death, worked at a trading firm, Tower Research Capital.
Lisa Guttman, Wich’s sister-in-law, told The Associated Press her brother-in-law David Wichs was “the most brilliant person ever.” His neighbors expressed similar sentiments. “He was an angel, an absolute angel,” said a man leaving Wich’s 81st St. apartment.” “He was a wonderful, wonderful person. He was the best, the absolute best, and that’s what makes this tragedy that much greater,” said a man who identified himself to The Associated Press as the family’s rabbi.
In a statement to the press, Mayor de Blasio said construction work was stopped on the building Thursday after operators decided to lower and secure the crane as a precaution against expected heavy winds. “No work was done this morning because the crew made the decision to bring the crane down to the secure position,” de Blasio said. He further added that the horrible crane accident could have been even more tragic. “Just before the accident happened, the crew was making sure people weren’t in the way,” he said.
Why Are Crane Accidents So Dangerous?
Crane accidents in New York result in over twenty percent of all fatalities in construction accidents. As is made clear by the tragic accident this morning, construction workers are not the only individuals that can be injured in crane accidents. Bystanders and pedestrians are also at serious risk.
While technology for the cranes has improved, resulting in massive cranes with far greater capabilities, strict standards for crane operations are still required. If you’ve lost someone or been injured yourself as a result of a construction site accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injuries and emotional trauma from construction accidents can last a lifetime. Call the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff today at (212) 962-1020 to speak to a qualified construction crane accident attorney about your case. Our firm will guide you through your rights as the victim of a construction accident and the actions you can take to seek justice. Don’t delay in seeking the help you need.