Construction Rig Topple Traps Workers, Causes Fire In Miami

Four people ended up in hospitals Monday after a massive construction rig toppled over, slamming into three cars and a steel container in Miami. The accident trapped two workers and sparked a fierce vehicle fire, according to authorities.

Miami Fire Rescue arrived at the scene in Brickell near Southeast 12th Street and Brickell Bay Drive around 8 a.m. as the drilling rig gave way. "Miami Fire Rescue responded after a drilling rig fell onto three vehicles near SE 12 Street and Brickell Bay Drive," the department stated on X. Their Technical Rescue Team then worked to free two victims crushed inside a container. All four patients were eventually transported in stable condition.

Firefighters put out the blaze that erupted when the rig flattened a BMW, Miami Fire Chief Robert Hevia explained at a news conference. Two construction workers, ages 27 and 29, were rescued from the mangled box. "To be able to see the crane falling, pull the car in reverse and pop out of the back while the car's on fire, really incredible," Hevia said about the BMW driver who escaped the burning wreck. The rig also crushed two other parked cars that had no one inside.

The four injured individuals, the two workers, a 47-year-old rig operator, and the BMW driver, all left with minor injuries. Hevia confirmed that all 18 construction workers at the site were accounted for. "It was a very complex scene with a fire that was occurring, our crews were putting out the fire and our technical rescue team working simultaneously to cut through the Conex box, the construction box, and they were able to successfully extricate the two victims," he said.

Earlier in the day, Miami Police told drivers to stay away from the crash zone. "Due to a crane collapse, Brickell Bay Drive is currently closed between SE 12th Street and SE 13th Street. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and expect delays. Please use caution and follow the direction of officers on scene," the police department wrote on X.

Officials have not released what triggered the collapse yet. Hevia said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident. NBC 6 South Florida reported that the accident happened at the site where billionaire Ken Griffin plans to build his Citadel headquarters. Fox News Digital could not immediately reach Miami Fire Rescue or Citadel for comment.