Crane collapses at National Cathedral

WASHINGTON – A 500-ton crane at the Washington National Cathedral collapsed Wednesday amid thunderstorms and driving rain, damaging two nearby buildings and several vehicles as crews worked on damage from the recent earthquake.

The crane operator was taken to a hospital with injuries but no one else was hurt.

The collapse came four days before President Barack Obama’s scheduled speech inside the cathedral to observe the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

No immediate decision was made about whether the commemoration, which also includes a concert and vigil, would go on as planned.

The crane was being used to repair the dings caused by the East Coast earthquake Aug. 23. The cathedral’s limestone exterior towers and some interior areas were damaged.