HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Emergency personnel rushed to the scene Tuesday afternoon after a truck-mounted construction crane tipped backward and crashed onto a home in the unit block of Lea Drive in Hamilton Township, according to local reports.
The incident occurred during what appeared to be a residential construction or equipment operation. Aerial footage from 6ABC showed the crane’s boom resting on the roof of a suburban home, with parts of the structure visibly damaged.
The Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters were among the first responders on the scene, working quickly to stabilize the crane and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
“Members of Rescue 1 have been recalled to stabilize the equipment and ensure the area is safe,” the fire department said in a statement posted to social media. Crews were seen using specialized equipment to secure the base of the crane and prevent further shifting.
As of Tuesday evening, no injuries had been reported, though the extent of the structural damage to the home remains under investigation.
Local authorities, including building inspectors and the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety division, are expected to review the scene to determine what caused the crane to overturn. Witnesses told reporters that the crane appeared to be lifting heavy materials when it suddenly lost balance and fell backward.
Neighbors described hearing a loud crash followed by shouting as the machinery came down. “It sounded like thunder — then we realized it was right across the street,” one nearby resident said.
Officials have not yet released information about the construction company operating the crane or whether the equipment had recently been inspected.
The accident comes amid increased residential construction activity in Mercer County, where crews have been working on new home projects, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment maintenance across several neighborhoods.
Crane-related incidents, though rare, often prompt reviews of operator training, soil stability, and load management protocols. Experts note that even properly stabilized cranes can tip under unexpected conditions such as uneven ground or sudden mechanical failure.
Local residents were urged to avoid the area while the investigation and recovery efforts continue. Cleanup and structural assessments are expected to last through the week.
Originally reported by Sarah Salvadore in Patch.
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