Structural issues reported at a Manhattan skyscraper construction site

On July 7, 2026, authorities in New York City responded to a structural emergency at a 38-story building undergoing renovations near Grand Central Terminal. Fire department officials reported that structural columns on the 21st and 22nd floors buckled, leading to a settling of floors between the 21st and 26th levels. Debris, including bricks, fell onto the street, prompting an immediate emergency response involving 130 firefighters and 40 units. The building, formerly housing Pfizer offices, is currently being converted into residential apartments. As a precautionary measure, officials evacuated nearby hotels, shops, and residential buildings, along with a local school. The New York City Department of Buildings has deployed engineers to the scene to assess the stability of the structure. No injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities have closed surrounding roads and advised motorists to use alternative routes to avoid the area.