Truck Crane Collapses on to NJ Home

The boom of the truck crane toppled on to a home on Lake Street Thursday afternoon

Repair crews are cleaning up after a truck crane toppled over on to a home in Newark, N.J. Thursday afternoon.

According to Medi Mohammadish, director of engingeering for the city of Newark, a tree removal company was cutting down a very large tree in the backyard on Lake Street. When the truck driver attempted to use the crane to lift up the cut-up pieces of the tree, the crane tipped over and fell into the house, said Mohammadish. The truck also toppled on to the side.

"We saw them cutting down the tree because it's been there for years," said witness Bryanna Mercado. "When they were cutting it down, they started to lift it, and it started rocking back and forth. And next thing you know, the branch hits the house and the whole truck falls over." 

The crane engineer apparently did not properly judge the weight of the logs, which were too heavy for the crane to handle, according to Mohammadish. 

One woman was home at the time but was not injured, said Mohammadish. The crane operator was able to walk out of the truck and did not appear hurt. 

The crane collapse damaged the roof of the home and broke two windows, according to Mohammadish. The structure will need to be shored up before the occupant is allowed to return home.

Work crews are expected to stay on the scene Thursday night removing the crane. 

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