Two structural columns buckled in a Manhattan high-rise on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings and a major stabilization operation, officials said. The former Pfizer pharmaceutical building, located on East 42nd Street between Second and Third Avenues, is being converted into residential apartments. The fire department reported that the 21st floor exhibited multiple cracks and sagging floors in addition to the buckled columns.
Officials Respond to Structural Issue at Construction Site
The FDNY received reports of a “structural issue at an active construction site” before 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Fire department chief John Esposito described the situation as “very serious,” noting that steel box beams had begun to bend and deflect under the weight. The building was evacuated, and surrounding structures were also cleared as a precaution.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office stated that a team inspected each floor and found no additional movement of the support columns, allowing on-site contractors to begin emergency repairs. Temporary stabilization measures are expected to continue into the coming days, impacting the busy midtown corridor near Grand Central Terminal.
Stabilization Efforts Underway
Fire department drones were deployed to provide technical information and visuals as officials continued assessing the building. Esposito said at a press conference that if a collapse occurred, it would be localized rather than total, due to the building’s steel construction. Workers began stabilization work on Tuesday evening, with efforts expected to stretch into the night.
MetroLoft, one of the two companies overseeing the construction, thanked city officials for their quick response. “The safety of everyone at and surrounding the building is our number one priority,” MetroLoft said in a statement. “We’re thankful there were no injuries, and as the DOB clarified, no debris fell from the building. The affected area is a small section of one of the two buildings on this site.”
Impact on Nearby Offices and Commuters
People working in the vicinity are uncertain when they can return to their offices, with estimates ranging from several days to two weeks, according to CNN. The building remains unstable, and authorities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
