Concrete falls from church facade in Morningside Heights striking man below

MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- Concrete falling from the facade of a church in Morningside Heights struck someone down below.

It happened at a Presbyterian church on 114th Street and Broadway.

Cell phone video shows EMS workers tending to the victim who was injured but conscious and lucky to be alive after being hit by a piece of concrete that fell the equivalent of several stories.

"We are praying for him and our entire church community is praying for his needs," said Pastor Chris Shelton, Broadway Presbyterian Church.

The chunks of concrete that fell broke off from the ledge of a window-type opening in the church's bell tower.

The fire department responded and conducted a preliminary inspection of the 104-year old structure.

Then, using a tower ladder, firefighters hoisted a buildings department inspector who discovered additional cracks on the church's exterior.

In the meantime, the victim was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital and is in stable condition.

The 26-year-old may have been spared more serious injury because it appears the falling debris hit the side of the church first and possibly a tree on the way down.

The pastor is promising to make any necessary repairs as quickly as possible.