Construction Worker Killed In Midtown Crane Lift Accident

MTA Bus Hit Crane Lift Causing Construction Worker To Fall To His Death in  Midtown, Manhattan

MIDTOWN, MANHATTAN (January 27, 2025) – A worker has tragically died in Midtown, Manhattan after his crane lift was hit by an MTA bus on Fifth Avenue.

New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 9:30 PM on Sunday. A construction worker was in a crane lift when that vehicle was struck by an MTA bus.

The force of the impact caused the construction worker to be thrown 20 feet from the lift. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.

He was transported to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of doctors and medical staff, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A full investigation into the MTA bus collision remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for MTA Bus Collisions

The MTA has a particularly poor track record in New York City. According to one report from the New York Post, “At least 2,520 people — or 2.7 per day — were injured [from 2015 – 2018], according to the MTA. At least 14 people died, including a 25-year-old skateboarder, a 62-year-old pedestrian, a 60-year-old motorist and a 70-year-old with a walker who was mutilated by a hit-and-run bus.” MTA bus drivers should take a number of actions in order to prevent collisions.

• Bus drivers should maintain their vehicle at a safe speed at all times.
• Bus drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
• Bus drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.

When a construction worker is injured or killed, their employer could potentially be held at fault through New York Labor Law 200. The statute is a codification of an employer’s and general contractor’s duty to maintain worksites in a reasonably safe condition. If a worksite is not in a safe condition, this could form the basis of a civil claim. There are a number of ways that a worksite may be in an unsafe condition.

• A construction site may not have cones or other objects to deter vehicles.
• A construction site may not have made use of a flagger.
• A construction site may have placed a vehicle too far into the roadway.

Liability for any construction accident could extend beyond general contractors. The company that owned or operated a bus could also be held at fault. Bus companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. The family of any person who died in a collision with an MTA bus may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating New York City MTA Bus Collisions

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker who died in this Midtown, Manhattan collision. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD. This was a preventable tragedy that should’ve never taken place.

Do you need more information about a Midtown, Manhattan MTA bus collision? Our team of workers rights advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that bus companies are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation in any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.