Union: Crane Operator In Tappan Zee Accident Had Little Time To React

The crane operator operating the piece of equipment that crashed Tuesday at the Tappan Zee Bridge had little time to react when the mishap occurred, according a union official.

Construction workers investigate the collapse of a crane at the Tappan Zee Bridge on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Kempter's Wire Fire*

Tom Renner

07/21/2016 11:00 a.m.

Jeff Loughlin, the business manager for the Union of Operating Engineers Local 137 in Briarciff Manor, told LoHud.com the operator was helpless as the boom descended rapidly under its own weight. Loughlin said the accident was not the result of human error.

A crane from the construction site of the new span of the Tappan Zee Bridge collapsed on the old span near the Rockland County side around noon on Tuesday, shutting down lanes in both directions for around six hours.

Click here for the LoHud.com story.

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