A wrecking crew in New York City punched a hole in the wrong building, forcing startled tenants to evacuate, city officials said.

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A crane operator Saturday put a 10-foot gash in the foundation of a three-story building in Queens that had not been scheduled for any work, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

"As soon as I heard a big bang, I woke up," said Andrew Albarracin, who lives on the second floor of the building. "I hear the banging every day, so I went back to sleep. But this was louder than before. Next thing I knew, I woke up to a fireman at my door telling me I have to evacuate."

The foundation will have to be repaired before the tenants can return, said Buildings Department spokeswoman Jennifer Givner.

City officials said they plan to issue cite the contractor for violations.