Five killed in New York scaffolding collapse

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A scaffolding structure at least 12 stories high collapsed in a courtyard behind a Park Avenue office building Wednesday, killing five workers and injuring at least 11 others.

"This is a very serious collapse," said New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who arrived on the scene -- about 1 1/2 miles northeast of the wreckage-strewn site of the World Trade Center twin towers collapse that resulted from September 11 terrorist attacks -- about two hours after the accident.

Witnesses said the scaffolding was supporting workers who were repairing brick inside an exposed airshaft, or vestibule area, in back of the building and several stories up. The scaffolding started to shake at one point, and workers began jumping to get out of the way as it collapsed into a pile.

Just after 4 p.m., police responded and were informed by the construction crew that 18 workers were in the rear of the location when a brick facade gave way, causing the scaffolding to collapse.

Several men who escaped with scratches and bruises said others were beneath lower planks of the scaffolding when it collapsed and did not appear to have escaped.

Two men were brought out on stretchers, and an active rescue operation stretched out for six blocks as police and firefighters brought in heavy equipment. Some rescue workers were diverted from the World Trade Center site to assist. One rescuer has been injured seriously and a firefighter on site has injured his hand.