Manhattan skyscraper construction columns bend, prompting evacuations

New York City emergency services closed several streets and evacuated hotels, offices, and residences in Manhattan on Tuesday after structural columns in a skyscraper under construction bent, firefighters reported. The 38-story building, near Grand Central Terminal and the UN headquarters, is undergoing a remodel to convert offices into housing.

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Upon arrival, units determined that two columns were bent on the 21st and 22nd floors. Floors were sunk between the 21st and 26th levels. Approximately 40 units, 130 firefighters and EMS personnel mobilized. No injuries have been reported so far.

"Upon arrival, units determined that two columns were bent on the 21st and 22nd floors," the New York City Fire Department said in a statement. "Floors were sunk between the 21st and 26th levels. Approximately 40 units, 130 firefighters and EMS personnel mobilized. No injuries have been reported so far."

Nearby hotels, businesses, and apartments were evacuated, and several streets were closed as a precautionary measure while police and firefighters surveyed the area. The New York City Department of Buildings stated on X that its "structural engineers are on scene investigating reports of potential structural issues at 235 East 42nd Street, Manhattan."

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structural engineers are on scene investigating reports of potential structural issues at 235 East 42nd Street, Manhattan.

Construction worker Eddie, 28, told AFP that he was evacuated from the site. "I was downstairs and saw everyone starting to come down. Just then, I was told a column was broken."

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I was downstairs and saw everyone starting to come down. Just then, I was told a column was broken.