A construction crane that fell on two Lauderhill homes Wednesday was being used by Florida Power and Light to replace power lines.
Now it’s left an estimated 53 homes without power or water.
FPL had been using equipment from Sims Crane and Equipment Company for several days, according to one resident. The crane toppled over around 3:30 p.m. onto several power lines and two houses, one of which is severely damaged. Two people - the crane operator and one resident, who was inside his home at the time - sustained minor injuries.
Lauderhill Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Levy said about 53 homes in the nearby area are without power and water. A water main also broke along NW 11th St.
“We don’t have any inclination as to what caused the crane to collapse, Levy said. “We don’t know if the crane caused the water main break. I’m sure that the crane operators would do their due diligence before setting up. If there was soft ground, I don’t have that information.”
The department is waiting for an investigation before attempting to remove the crane.
“It’s gonna take a larger crane. I’m not sure if they’re gonna have to dismantle the existing crane or if they’re gonna be able to lift it the way it is,” Levy said.
Natalie Smith lives in one of the houses where the crane fell. Smith said she was at work when she received the call to check on the house she’s lived in with her mother for over 30 years.
“I’m kind of numb, I’m trying to wrap my head around everything,” she said.
Smith’s 86 year-old mother was inside at the time but didn't sustain any injuries.
“I’m relieved that my mother wasn’t injured,” Smith said. “I’m grateful that she’s fine and she’s okay, and that’s what really matters.”
The Broward Sheriff’s Office and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue also came to the scene with rescue teams.
Residents living on either side of the affected homes were also evacuated.
“If it goes into a long period of time, we’ll contact the American Red Cross to come out and provide assistance to these residents,” Levy said about the street closure and crane removal.
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