Scaffolding struck and dragged during crane operation; city says not a structural collapse
Ann Arbor city officials confirmed Tuesday that a crane operation at the Rambler high-rise construction site on 701 Church St. caused an aluminum scaffolding section to be struck, dragged and bent toward the building’s edge, producing dramatic footage that initially suggested collapsing floors.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 31 on the 13th floor of the 17-story apartment project intended to house University of Michigan students. City spokespeople, relaying information from Turner Construction Company, said a tether prevented the scaffolding used to support curing concrete from falling away from the building.
Officials were careful to distinguish the event from a building failure. “The incident was not a structural failure or partial collapse of the building,” the city said on social media. Turner also sent most workers home for the day, retaining only personnel required to secure and remove damaged scaffold components.
“Workers were using a crane to move aluminum scaffolding when another section of scaffolding was struck and dragged toward the edge of the building, where it bent and collapsed.”
Video of the aftermath, recorded by a worker on a nearby, unaffiliated construction crew, circulated on social media and prompted considerable local attention. Several on-site laborers described loud noises and falling debris; one worker, Mike Kosas, told reporters he had never seen scaffolding collapse like that in more than a decade of concrete work.
Inspections and work pause
Ann Arbor officials said the worksite was inspected on Sept. 1. Further removal of scaffolding has been postponed while contractors and regulators assess safety and remediation steps. Turner Construction Company had not immediately returned requests for additional comment.
It remains unclear whether anyone was injured in the incident; initial reports did not confirm injuries. The project, known as the Rambler and located near the UM campus, is slated to open in 2027 and is being marketed to students.
- Project: Rambler, 701 Church St., 17 stories
- Incident time: ~12:30 p.m., Aug. 31
- Cause (per city): Crane movement struck another scaffolding section; tether prevented full fall
- Immediate action: Turner sent most crew home; inspections conducted Sept. 1
Local context and potential implications
High-rise construction near campus carries heightened stakes in Ann Arbor because of dense pedestrian traffic and nearby student housing. Even when a building’s primary structure is not affected, incidents that send debris into the air or along sidewalks can disrupt nearby businesses, classes and transit. Contractors working in the city typically must follow safety plans and obtain permits; incidents prompt scrutiny from city inspectors and sometimes from state occupational safety authorities.
Turner Construction’s response — halting most activity and securing the damaged materials — follows common industry practice after an on-site accident. The postponement of scaffold removal suggests contractors and inspectors want to document conditions and ensure corrective measures before resuming normal operations.
What to watch next
Residents and university community members are likely to track several near-term developments:
| Item | Expected next steps |
|---|---|
| Site inspections | Detailed safety review by city inspectors; possible follow-up by state regulators |
| Repair and remediation | Secure and remove damaged scaffold; verify concrete curing supports |
| Work schedule | Contractor will determine timeline to safely resume full operations |
Neighbors and commuters should monitor city communications and site advisories for possible sidewalk closures or restricted access near 701 Church St. The project remains a visible sign of construction activity in the vicinity of the University of Michigan, where additional projects are also changing the streetscape.
City officials have emphasized that, based on current information, the building’s structure was not compromised. Still, the incident underscores the risks associated with moving heavy equipment and scaffolding at height and the importance of thorough inspections after such events.
