WATCH: Dramatic observatory collapse caught on camera

ARECIBO, Puerto Rico (ABC) — The platform of a 305-meter telescope crashed to the ground at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.

The collapse was recorded just before 6 a.m. CDT on Dec. 1. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) reports that the collapse damaged the dish and surrounding facilities, but no injuries were reported.

A cable had actually detached from the structure in August. The remaining cables continued to safely support the Observatory until a second cable detached in November. All unauthorized personnel was cleared from the surrounding area prior to the collapse because the Observatory had experienced another structural failure in November.

The structure was deemed too weak to safely repair so all unauthorized personnel was cleared from the surrounding area prior to the collapse.

“We are saddened by this situation but thankful that no one was hurt,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “Our focus is now on assessing the damage, finding ways to restore operations at other parts of the observatory, and working to continue supporting the scientific community, and the people of Puerto Rico.”

Currently, engineers are on-site to assess the damage caused and the safety of the remaining structures.

“We knew this was a possibility, but it is still heartbreaking to see,” says Elizabeth Klonoff, University of Central Florida vice president for research.

The collapse is currently under investigation.