NEW YORK – High winds are being eyed as a contributing factor in an apparent construction shed collapse that injured four people in Midtown on Friday.
Fire officials believe it was a gust of wind that knocked over the shed and into pedestrians on West 40th Street, 1010 WINS’ Juliet Papa reported.
Debris from the collapse covered the sidewalk as emergency crews treated injured victims on the scene. At least three people were taken to the hospital, Papa reported. The extent of their injuries are not known.
As a result of the collapse, three lanes are closed on 7th Avenue at West 40th Street.
The Department of Buildings issued a warning to property owners Friday to secure construction sites and buildings as high winds whip through the area.
A wind advisory is in effect until 2 p.m. for parts of Conn., New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley and New York City. The National Weather Service says winds are coming from the southwest with gusts up to 60 mph.
The Buildings Department said cranes, scaffolding, hoists and other construction materials can come loose from high winds.
It said property owners should secure sites and buildings by tying down materials and loose debris. The Buildings Department also said netting, scaffolding, sidewalk sheds and construction fences should be secured.
The Buildings Department said it will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not safely secured, officials said they will issue violations and Stop Work Orders if necessary.
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