A construction worker, trapped after a crane collapsed in Miami's upscale Brickell neighborhood, expressed his gratitude by embracing the firefighter who freed him from the debris. The touching moment was captured on video.
The incident unfolded on Monday shortly after 8:00 am at the intersection of Southeast 12th Street and Brickell Bay Drive. A piling drill toppled onto a Conex-type metal container housing two employees, aged 29 and 27.
The fallen machinery also crushed three vehicles: two parked and one in motion. In total, four individuals sustained injuries.
According to Miami Fire Rescue's report to NBC Miami, firefighters used the Jaws of Life to cut through the metal structure and rescue the two trapped workers, while another team worked to extinguish a fire that ignited in one of the impacted vehicles.
The dramatic rescue was recorded and quickly circulated across social media platforms. The video shows the worker emerging from the container and hugging one of the firefighters before being placed on a stretcher.
The 47-year-old operator of the drill managed to jump from the equipment as it overturned.
The fourth injured party was the driver of a white BMW. Witnessing the machinery's fall, she reversed the car, but the drill landed on the SUV's hood, igniting a blaze. She managed to escape through the vehicle's rear.
All four injured individuals were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The 18 workers present at the site were accounted for and safe.
A Complex Rescue Operation
Robert Hevia, Chief of Miami Fire Rescue, described the operation as a "very complex" scene where technical rescue teams and firefighters worked simultaneously to cut open the metal container and control the fire.
"I've been with the fire department for 28 years; seeing the scene was overwhelming. The fact that all four injured were rescued or self-rescued with minor injuries made it a remarkable day for them," he commented.
The accident occurred at the construction site for the future global headquarters of Citadel, a hedge fund led by billionaire Ken Griffin, located at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive. The project, a 54-story tower developed by Related Companies, was in its foundation stage.
Related Companies released a statement thanking emergency responders and confirming their cooperation with city and county building departments.
"Our top priority is the health and safety of our workers and the community. We are fully cooperating with the city and county building departments to secure the site and conduct a thorough investigation of the incident," the company stated.
During the emergency operation, Miami Police closed Brickell Bay Drive between SE 12th Street and SE 13th Street, advising drivers to use Brickell Avenue as an alternative route.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been called in to investigate the cause of the collapse.
This accident adds to a series of crane and construction equipment collapses in Miami recorded in 2026, including a crane toppling onto a condominium terrace in August and another incident in a residential Hialeah neighborhood in April, both without casualties.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Brickell Crane Collapse
What caused the crane collapse in Brickell?
The exact cause of the crane collapse is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
How many people were injured in the Brickell crane incident?
Four people sustained minor injuries and were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Who is responsible for the construction site where the crane collapsed?
The construction site is part of a project developed by Related Companies for the future global headquarters of Citadel.