Manhattan building evacuated after structural columns buckle

A high-rise building in Manhattan was declared unstable Tuesday after officials discovered buckled structural columns and sagging floors. The former Pfizer pharmaceutical building, currently undergoing conversion into residential rentals, prompted evacuations of the structure and surrounding buildings.

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Two structural columns buckled, and there were multiple cracks and sagging floors.

Fire department officials responded to reports of a "structural issue at an active construction site" on East 42nd Street. Upon arrival, they found "structural issues" on the 21st floor, including "two structural columns buckled, and there were multiple cracks and sagging floors," according to the fire department's statement on X. A photograph posted by the FDNY showed a significantly bent steel beam.

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It’s a very serious situation because the box beams – the steel beams – have started to bend and deflect from the weight. We evacuated the building and started evacuations of surrounding buildings.

"It's a very serious situation because the box beams – the steel beams – have started to bend and deflect from the weight," said John Esposito, the fire department chief. He confirmed that the building and adjacent structures were evacuated. Drones were deployed to gather technical information and visuals as assessment continued.

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The building remains unstable.

Authorities stated that stabilization efforts would extend into the night. "The building remains unstable," said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Esposito clarified that any potential collapse would likely be localized due to the building's steel construction, rather than a total structural failure. A team examining the building floor-by-floor has not detected further movement, according to Leila Bozorg, the deputy mayor for housing and planning. People working nearby face uncertainty about returning to their offices, with estimates ranging from several days to two weeks.

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The safety of everyone at and surrounding the building is our number one priority. We’re thankful there were no injuries, and as the DOB clarified, no debris fell from the building. We want to confirm that the affected area is a small section of one of the two buildings on this site. As the FDNY spokesperson noted, the entire building itself is not at risk of collapse.