The New York Daily News said that Gary Anderson, 58, was delivering materials to 70 Christopher Columbus Drive, a high-rise building under construction.

Police said he stepped out of his lorry but left his hard hat inside.

As he walked toward the building a tape measure fell from the belt of a worker on the tower’s top floor.

Police said it struck a piece of metal about three metres from the ground and ricocheted into Anderson’s head.

Jersey City Public Safety Director James Shea said: “Upon preliminary investigation, it appears to be a very tragic accident,” said

Construction work was stopped at the site after the accident.

The luxury high-rise, which is nearing completion, is part of a development that includes a hotel and two additional rental buildings, one of which already has all of its 400 apartments leased.