A construction crane collapsed behind the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Thursday afternoon, crashing into the adjacent park. The drilling machine, which was being used as part of ongoing museum renovations, tipped over just before 1 p.m. Parents and bystanders said they heard a loud crash as the crane fell, bringing down trees in its path. "The whole thing just fell down," one eyewitness said. Fire officials say recent wet weather may have contributed to the collapse.

"Because of all the rain and snow, the ground was a little unstable, so the machine tipped over," said FDNY Chief Pietro Virruso. The crane operator was able to get out safely, and not one was injured. FDNY crews stabilized the machine and removed its fuel as a precaution. The Department of Buildings is expected to assess the damage and determine the next steps to remove the equipment. The museum remains open, but the park area behind it is temporarily closed.