NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey authorities say an excavator operator has died after the huge crane fell into Newark Bay.

Crane on its side in Newark Bay
Crane on its side in Newark Bay (@NYmediaBoat via Twitter)
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John Brown of the Newark Fire Department says the man was doing excavation work Thursday morning for a company out of Bellevue when the excavator fell into the water. Brown said that because of the mud and the sheer weight of the machine, it was difficult to get to the worker. He said rescuers were able to reach the man several hours later, but he had died.

Newark police were not releasing the worker's name, pending notification of his family.

Police said officers responded about 8:30 a.m. and could see the crane submerged in the water near Doremus Avenue and Firmench Way. The body was recovered from the wreckage about 5 p.m.

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