A high-rise under construction in New York City and nearby buildings have been evacuated after structural columns buckled on the 21st floor of the 33-story building, sending bricks falling onto the street below, according to the fire department.
Inspectors also found multiple cracks and sagging floors on the building’s 21st floor.
No injuries were reported and all workers were accounted for, the FDNY said, adding that nearby buildings in Midtown Manhattan were being evacuated as a precaution.
Police and firefighters respond to a New York City high-rise after structural columns buckled in the building.
Police and firefighters respond to a New York City high-rise after structural columns buckled in the building.
0:22
Most of 42nd and 43rd Streets, between 1st and 3rd Avenues, have been closed to pedestrians and vehicles. The FDNY has also asked for East 44th Street to be closed between Second and Third avenues.
A nearby school with about 400 children was also evacuated, according to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“All of this is a reflection of the fact that our top priority right now is the safety of those who live in this area, the safety of those who work in this area,” Mamdani said, adding that the city’s Department of Buildings inspectors and engineers “are on site working quickly to secure the site.”