At least six injured when the arm of a crane fell against another building in Manhattan

At least six people have been injured after the articulated arm of a construction crane collapsed this Wednesday on the New York island of Manhattan, in the United States.

According to the assistant commissioner of the New York Fire Department, Joseph Pfeifer, all the victims – four civilians and two firefighters – have suffered minor injuries and their lives are not in danger.

According to city officials, the incident occurred at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 41st Street.. A tower in front of the building under construction has been affected after receiving the impact of the articulated arm of the crane.

Preliminary reports suggest that the crane caught fire when an operator tried to lift a load weighing 16 tons.. The operator managed to get out of the cabin unharmed, according to CNN.

Pfeifer has pointed out that the flames could have affected the crane wiring “to the point where it loses its strength, and that is where the collapse has occurred.”

The New York authorities have launched an investigation to clarify what happened and settle responsibilities. Engineers from the city's Housing Department will assess the structure of the building hit by the crane.