(VIDEOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

As YWN had reported, there was fear that two dozen enormous construction cranes may collapse during Irma. That fear seems to be turning into a reality, as at least one of those cranes has just collapsed.

The exact location of the crane will be updated as it becomes available, but the photos speak for themselves.

City officials last week said that the cranes could not be tied down or moved.

Many were questioning why the cranes couldn’t be moved, Miami officials said Tuesday in a tweet last week. “The answer – it’s a slow process that can take about TWO weeks and there is NOT enough time,” they said. “Consider that the counterbalances on tower cranes weigh about 20,000 to 30,000 pounds.”

Tower cranes can rise hundreds of feet into the air on steel frameworks, and are used to lift steel, concrete, heavy construction equipment and other building materials.

They are designed to withstand winds up to 145 mph (233 kph), but not a Category 5 hurricane, when winds top 157 mph (252 kph), city officials said.

DEVELOPING: High-Rise Crane Collapsed In Downtown Mami pic.twitter.com/7vsDAenLuT

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 10, 2017

Current Scene In Miami, Florida pic.twitter.com/TpLbLyIuao

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 10, 2017

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Police has just released a statement that they will no longer be responding to any calls for help as the storm is just too dangerous.

🚨 Our officers are now sheltered for their safety. We cannot respond to calls for service. Stay indoors, DO NOT venture out! #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/rHIjNzYyan

— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) September 10, 2017

(Charles Gross – YWN)