Crane collapse at Coconut Grove hospital kills one, injures four

A crane crashed at Coconut Grove’s HCA Florida Mercy Hospital Saturday afternoon, killing one person and injuring four others. The crane was on a construction site for a part of the hospital that was being renovated.

“We will be contacting the families of the people involved,” said Miami District 2 Commissioner Sabina Covo. “We have been in touch with the crane company to make sure these types of situations don’t happen again.”

Miami Fire Department officials responded to a call at 12:15 p.m. Saturday about a crane crash. Upon arriving, officials found that a 200-foot crane had collapsed after reaching its highest point. It crashed onto construction workers below.

“Two patients were treated at Mercy Hospital and two were treated at Jackson Trauma Center in serious but stable condition,” Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez said. “One was declared deceased at the scene.”

Miami Police Department Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar said the department is conducting an investigation to find out what happened. OSHA has been contacted.

“No patients or colleagues were impacted and operations were not impacted. Our prayers are with families and workers that were injured,” he said.

Authorities will work through the night to remove the damaged crane and a small portion of patients will be evacuated from the hospital.

This story was originally published August 26, 2023 at 6:26 PM.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.