Crane operator blamed for building collapse at Bryant University in Rhode Island

Bent steel covers a construction site where an athletic practice facility being built on the Bryant University campus collapsed Tuesday in Smithfield, R.I. Workers were installing steel beams on the new facility around 8:15 a.m., when the beams collapsed, university spokeswoman Elizabeth O’Neil said. less Bent steel covers a construction site where an athletic practice facility being built on the Bryant University campus collapsed Tuesday in Smithfield, R.I. Workers were installing steel beams on the new ... more Photo: Associated Press Photo: Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Crane operator blamed for building collapse at Bryant University in Rhode Island 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

SMITHFIELD, R.I. >> A police report shows that a worker blamed a mistake by a crane operator for the collapse of a building under construction at a private Rhode Island university that injured six people.

Workers were installing steel beams Tuesday morning on a new indoor practice facility at Bryant University in Smithfield when the beams collapsed.

The Smithfield Police Department report released Wednesday says a construction worker told police a crane operator must have pulled the beam too far as they were trying to straighten the leaning structure.

A hospital spokeswoman said Wednesday three of the injured workers are in good condition and three have been released.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

The 78,000-square-foot facility was scheduled to open next year.

The university broke ground on it in May.