Crane operator in fatal February crash found at fault

The operator at the controls when a massive constructioncrane crashed onto New York City streets, killing a pedestrian in February, has been found at fault.

In a report released Friday, the city Department of Buildingsfound series of errors on the part of the crawler crane operator when the 565-foot crane crashed amid heavy winds on Feb 5, NY4 reported.Investigators found that he failed to secure the crane properly the night before it fell.

The operator’s license was suspended and the agency has filed a case to permanently revoke his license. The operator will no longer be able to operate cranes in New York City.

David Wichs, a 38-year-old Manhattan resident and Harvard graduate,was killed instantly. At least three other people suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, with two taken to a hospital for head lacerations, officials said at the time.

“The crane operator involved in this incident acted recklessly, with tragic results,” Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler told NY4. “The actions we’re taking should send the message to everyone in the construction industry that safety must come first.”