Concrete slab could fall from SF building, prompts evacuations

A malfunctioning crane on top of high-rise construction 31 Tehama could release a slab of concrete below. Reports on the exact weight of the concrete vary, but it’s estimated to weigh 2,000 pounds. Police have evacuated nearby buildings and closed off outlying streets on Howard, Second, First, and Folsom as a precautionary measure.

SFGate has more:

People were evacuated from eight buildings on Howard and Tehama streets shortly before 3 p.m. as a crane began falling into a concrete wall on 41 Tehama St. that could potentially fall if firefighters don't get to it in time, said Officer Jonathan Baxter, a spokesman with the San Francisco Fire Department.

"If the crane falls, it could take the concrete wall down," said Baxter.

As SFist reports, “Workers have reportedly been evacuated from the construction site, and the nearby site of 543 Howard as well as several other buildings are being evacuated.”

Passersby and evacuated workers have gathered along the sidewalks to see what, if anything, will happen. However, SFFD has warned people to stay out of the area for the time being.

Here’s a livestream of the situation in progress, courtesy of KTVU.

Some scenes from below.

We will continue to update.

Update: Concrete wall stabilized. Area evacuations have been lifted. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department declared “we are safe,” according to SFGate.

• 2,000-pound concrete slab threatening to fall from SF building [SFGate]
• 2,000-Pound Concrete Slab Loose In Skyscraper Construction Project Causes SoMa Evacuations [SFist]