Genie Z-135 Boom Lift Overturns in Midtown Manhattan; No Injuries Reported
30 Second Takeaway
A 135-foot Genie Z-135 articulating boom lift overturned on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan early Saturday, May 9, striking a building façade above street-level restaurants and coffee shops. The lift, from the Complete Equipment rental fleet, was reportedly being checked or function-tested before work began. The operator was using the ground controls to raise the fully retracted boom, with the jib lowered and telescopic riser stowed. No injuries were reported, but the street was closed for a period and pedestrian access was restricted near the lift.
Incident Overview
Madison Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, New York, United States
The boom lift overturned during a check or function test on Madison Avenue and struck the façade of a building with restaurants and coffee shops at street level.
The operator was reportedly using the ground controls. The lift’s boom was fully retracted, the jib was lowered and the telescopic riser was stowed. No one was injured.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
A Genie Z-135 articulating boom lift overturned on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
The lift was reportedly being checked or function-tested before work began.
The operator was using the ground controls to raise the boom.
The boom was fully retracted, with the jib lowered and the telescopic riser stowed.
The lift struck the façade of a building with restaurants and coffee shops on the ground floor.
No injuries were reported.
The street was closed for a period, and pedestrians were kept off the sidewalk beneath the boom.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Genie Z-135 articulating boom lift
Reported working height: 135 feet
Reported fleet: Complete Equipment
Incident type: Boom lift overturn during a check or function test
Location: Madison Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
Boom configuration: Fully retracted and raised; jib lowered; telescopic riser stowed
Injuries: None reported
Property impact: Building façade struck
Investigation status: No confirmed cause or investigation findings were available in the information provided
Early Observations
The lift was reportedly set up with its boom retracted and raised, its jib lowered and its telescopic riser stowed. Initial observations described the machine as being between a front and side slew position, with no apparent ground or tyre issues.
The reason the lift overturned has not been established. The reported boom angle may have been affected by the impact, so it cannot be treated as a confirmed part of the pre-incident configuration.
Why This Incident Was Possible
A boom lift’s stability depends on its configuration, ground conditions, tyre condition and operating position. A machine being function-tested can still create hazards if its movement envelope is close to a building, roadway or pedestrian area.
The available information does not establish which factor led to this overturn.
Industry Reminder
Function tests and inspections should be carried out in a designated area with enough room for the machine’s full movement envelope. Before operating the boom, confirm the lift is positioned and configured according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep people clear of areas where the machine could fall or strike nearby structures.
In busy urban locations, sidewalks and building entrances beneath or beside the work area should be included in the exclusion zone.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane, access-equipment and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The cause of the overturn has not been confirmed.
How Boom Lift Overturns Can Be Prevented
Use a suitable testing area
Carry out function tests where the lift’s boom and platform can move without reaching buildings, traffic or pedestrian routes.
Follow the machine’s operating instructions
Use approved procedures for testing and operating the lift in each boom, jib and riser configuration.
Check the setup before raising the boom
Confirm the machine is positioned on suitable ground and that tyres, controls and other relevant components are ready for operation.
Establish a full exclusion zone
Keep workers and the public clear of the lift’s operating and potential fall area, including sidewalks and building entrances.
Inspect the lift after an impact
Remove the machine from service and arrange an inspection before returning it to operation.
