Fire/Rescue News - ATLANTIC CITY, BUILDINGS TUMBLE BUT REVEL CRANE REMAINS
ATLANTIC CITY-- The high winds plagued Atlantic City created one very large problem. It was a problem that loomed over 700 feet above, on the side of the future Revel Casino. Earlier part of the cranes jib collapsed on the building, and officials feared that the entire crane would fall.
“We know there has been damage to the straps that hold the crane to the side of the building. We know that there's an issue with the counterweights, they are technically unbalanced because the jib has collapsed onto the building,” said Atlantic City Police Chief John J. Mooney....Continue Reading
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As a result firefighters and police evacuated many near the construction site. On Saturday Atlantic City Police received over 200 calls dealing with issues ranging from collapsed structures, to flying debris. It was flying debris from Revel that tormented the city, even injuring one of Atlantic City's finest.
“One of our officers was trying to block a pedestrian access so pedestrians wouldn't be injured. Debris struck his vehicle and knocked a window out causing some injury to the officer,” said Mooney.
Atlantic City saw up 65 mile per hour wind gusts, and for many that was too much power for their homes to handle.
“It sounded like the roof literally being ripped of the entire building. You could hear it crackling and the wind just picked it up and threw it. I can't believe it threw the whole piece like that,” said Atlantic City resident Jay Sorge.
The most shocking are the remnants of a four story building on Artic Avenue. Just a block away on North Indiana Avenue one structure appeared as if it could fall at any second, but Saturday evening as winds died down so did the concerns that a piece of Revel would fall.
“We're hopeful there won't be a collapse,” said Mooney. He added, “The winds diminished. We don't expect any further high winds after 7:00 so if people are looking to come to town they should be fine.”
Task Force One out of Lakehurst New Jersey will manage the damaged crane. They will assess the remaining portion and cut it down or fully repair it.
