New York high-rise at risk of 'collapse' after buckled columns spark evacuations

A Manhattan high-rise building has been evacuated and surrounding streets closed after structural damage, including buckled interior columns and sagging floors, raised fears of a potential collapse. The building, located on East 42nd Street, was formerly the headquarters of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and is currently undergoing conversion from office space to luxury apartments.

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it would not be a total collapse, it would be more of a localised collapse.

New York City officials, including Fire Department chief John Esposito and Building Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, are on the scene assessing the situation. Esposito indicated that the building's steel-frame construction means a collapse would likely be localized rather than total. Firefighters responded to reports of falling bricks earlier in the day, though officials have not yet confirmed if any debris has fallen from the structure.

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This is a minute-by-minute assessment

Visible damage includes at least one significantly buckled interior column, observable from street level, and multiple cracks and sagging floors between the 21st and 26th stories. City officials, working closely with project engineers, are conducting a "minute-by-minute assessment" to develop a plan for reinforcing the structure. Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg described the ongoing assessment as "encouraging."

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floor by floor

The safety of those living and working in the area is the paramount concern. Evacuations have extended to nearby buildings, including a school and the Israeli consulate across the street. Emergency personnel are expected to maintain a presence throughout the night as the building's stability is continuously evaluated. The project, touted as the city's largest office-to-residential conversion, has reportedly been fined by the city's buildings department.

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finalise a plan for how they're going to re-enforce the structure