Four people were hospitalized Monday after a construction drilling rig collapsed in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, crushing three vehicles and a construction container, trapping two workers and sparking a vehicle fire, authorities said.
Miami Fire Rescue was called to the area near Southeast 12th Street and Brickell Bay Drive at about 8 a.m., after the rig toppled.
“Miami Fire Rescue responded after a drilling rig fell onto three vehicles near SE 12 Street and Brickell Bay Drive,” the department said in a post on X.
“The Technical Rescue Team units worked to safely free two trapped victims in a crushed container. Fortunately, the 4 patients transported were in stable condition.”
Four people were transported to a hospital Monday after a construction rig toppled onto three vehicles and a construction container in Miami. (@CityofMiamiFire via X)
Firefighters rescued two construction workers, ages 27 and 29, from the crushed construction container, Miami Fire Chief Robert Hevia said at a news conference.
At the same time, crews put out a fire that broke out when the rig crushed a BMW, Hevia said.
“To be able to see the crane falling, pull the car in reverse and pop out of the back while the car’s on fire, really incredible,” Hevia said, describing the BMW driver’s escape from the burning vehicle.
The rig also crushed two unoccupied parked vehicles, he said.
Firefighters extinguished a blaze that erupted after the rig crashed onto a BMW, according to Hevia. (@CityofMiamiFire via X)
The two workers, the 47-year-old rig operator and the BMW driver were all taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, he said. Hevia also said all 18 construction workers at the site were accounted for.
“It was a very complex scene with a fire that was occurring, our crews were putting out the fire and our technical rescue team working simultaneously to cut through the Conex box, the construction box, and they were able to successfully extricate the two victims,” Hevia said.
Earlier Monday, the Miami Police Department urged motorists to avoid the area.
“Due to a crane collapse, Brickell Bay Drive is currently closed between SE 12th Street and SE 13th Street. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and expect delays. Please use caution and follow the direction of officers on scene,” Miami Police wrote on X.
Officials have not said what caused the rig to collapse. (@CityofMiamiFire via X)
Officials have not said what caused the collapse. Hevia said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident.
According to NBC 6 South Florida, the collapse occurred at the site of billionaire Ken Griffin’s planned Citadel headquarters.
Miami Fire Rescue and Citadel could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.