Queens construction worker rescued after 7-ton hammer falls on legs

KEW GARDENS, Queens (WABC) -- A construction worker was freed and is expected to survive after a 7-ton steel hammer fell on his legs at a site in Queens Wednesday morning.

The incident happened around 11 a.m. at 82nd Avenue and Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.

The man was said to be conscious the entire time he was trapped.

He was taken to Jamaica hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Responders had to decide whether to pick up the hammer and remove the victim from underneath it, or dig out the victim from underneath. They chose the latter, and were able to create enough space to pull him out without further injury in 15 to 20 minutes.

The cause of the accident is unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.