Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Two workers were injured Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral as they were dismantling a massive collapsed crane that had been used to repair earthquake damage to the landmark building.
An ambulance took the two men away, Cathedral spokesman Richard Weinberg said. Officials didn’t immediately release how the men were hurt or how severely.
Wednesday morning’s crane collapse also has forced a Sept. 11 commemoration with President Barack Obama to change venues, organizers said.
Sunday’s “Concert for Hope” will be held at the Kennedy Center. The president is still expected to speak at the event, which includes performances by Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson and mezzo soprano Denyce Graves.
The crane had been used to stabilize debris from the Aug. 23 earthquake. The crane operator was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.
Officials are investigating what caused it to topple and damage a building with the headquarters of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and another with a gift shop. The cathedral itself was not damaged.
A Sept. 11 anniversary event scheduled for Friday at the cathedral is also relocating to the Kennedy Center. The “Concert to Honor” victims, survivors, their families, emergency responders and troops will feature Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Marine and Navy musicians.
The Kennedy Center will honor all confirmed tickets for the concerts.
A Sunday morning interfaith vigil, set for the times when airplanes struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed in Pennsylvania, will move from the cathedral to the Washington Hebrew Congregation.