Structural failure at Manhattan skyscraper prompts mass evacuations

On July 7, 2026, authorities in New York City initiated evacuations in Midtown Manhattan after reports of a structural failure at a 38-story building undergoing renovation. Firefighters identified buckled steel columns on the 21st and 22nd floors and sagging between the 21st and 26th floors, which were first reported following falling bricks. The building, a former Pfizer office located near Grand Central Station and the United Nations, is being converted into residential apartments. Approximately 130 firefighters and 40 emergency units were deployed to the scene to manage the situation. Authorities closed nearby streets, including sections of 42nd and 43rd streets near 2nd Avenue, and evacuated surrounding hotels, businesses, and residential buildings. The New York City Department of Buildings is currently assessing the site for potential code violations and ongoing safety risks. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident as of yet. Drivers have been advised to avoid the area and utilize alternative routes.