Proceedings conclude in crane collapse trial

Proceedings concluded yesterday in the deadly crane collapse case that led to seven deaths at a Midtown construction site on March 15, 2008,
according to the New York Times. William Rapetti, the rigging
contractor at the site at 303 East 51st Street near Second Avenue, had
been formally charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide
and reckless endangerment in January 2009. In the closing proceedings
yesterday afternoon, Deborah Hickey, an assistant district attorney,
said that Rapetti showed disregard for safety when he failed to replace
a worn out sling, which ultimately snapped, likely leading to the
crane collapse. “All of it began with this sling,” Hickey said, “and
the 67 seconds it would have taken the defendant to look at it that day
and throw it away”. If found guilty on all charges, Rapetti faces 28
years behind bars. Justice Roger Hayes said he plans to announce a
verdict on Thursday. [NYT]