FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A federal investigation has determined that two contractors could have prevented a fatal crane collapse in April that killed a 27-year-old worker at a Fort Lauderdale construction site, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC and Maxim Crane Works LP for several safety violations after a crane’s support cable failed, causing Jorge de la Torre, who was not properly secured to the anchor point, to fall about 30 stories, nearly 320 feet.
Torre’s colleague, who was wearing the required fall protection, was rescued without injury.
Both were working on installing a section of the tower crane.
Moments after the fatal incident, a coworker spoke to police about what unfolded.
“He was behind me and all we heard was just a loud noise. The tower just flipped over,” said the man.
“Where was he when the tower flipped over?” asked the officer.
“He was behind me, standing, the tower was next to us and the tower just came this way,” said the man.
OSHA issued three citations to Phoenix Rigging, based in Mableton, Georgia, for failing to repair or replace damaged crane components, enforcing fall protection requirements, and conducting pre-inspections of the crane equipment.
The agency also cited Maxim Crane Works, a Pennsylvania-based crane rental company, for two serious violations, including allowing work to start without adequate pre-inspections and failing to detect structural deficiencies in crane components.
“Neglecting workplace safety requirements can be a matter of life or death,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond. “If these companies had made safety a priority, a young man’s family, friends, and co-workers wouldn’t be facing this preventable loss. Construction employers are responsible for ensuring that workers use fall protection in hazardous situations, and we will hold all employers accountable for failing to provide safe working conditions.”
OSHA proposed $61,299 in penalties, the maximum allowed by law, for the five serious violations. Both companies have 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings.
In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,056 construction fatalities, with falls, slips, and trips accounting for 423 of those deaths.
Video shows the massive crane falling on top of a black Pontiac that was being driven on the Southeast Third Avenue bridge.
The driver, Carol Zinser, is seen running out of the car and then being helped by responding officers.
“Ma’am, what hurts?” said an officer.
“Absolutely nothing,” said the woman.
Officers were shocked to hear she was OK, despite the chunk of the crane falling on her windshield.
“So, you’re not hurt or anything like that?” said the officer.
“No, my mind is pretty messed up but if I could have my phone…” said the woman.
“OK, OK,” said the officer. “We will get everything for you.”
Days after the collapse, the 911 calls were released, detailing how distressed drivers reacted as they watched the incident unfold.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe what I just saw,” said a person.
“We heard, just heard stuff from the top falling and people screaming and it came down on the grid,” said another person.
“People are rolling on the ground. I need people here now, please,” said a third person.
“A piece of crane just fell down on top of a car on the bridge,” another distressed person said.
Both companies have 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings.
The companies did not immediately respond to 7News’ request for comment.
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