A trial is underway for the owner of a crane involved in a deadly 2008 collapse.

James Lomma is charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and assault.

He opted for a bench trial.

Ramadan Kurtaj, 27, and Donald Leo, 30, died when the top part of a 200-foot crane came crashing down on 91st Street and First Avenue.

Lawyers for the victims' families say the crane was in service despite a history of poor maintenance and reckless repairs.

Lomma's lawyer says the collapse was just an accident.