The building was evacuated after partially collapsing (Image: Fire Department of New York (FDNY)/X)
A New York City skyscraper remains structurally unsound several hours after it partially collapsed, officials have confirmed.
Fire crews rushed to the 37-storey high-rise in Manhattan shortly before 8am local time (1pm BST) after two supporting pillars gave way, causing five floors to cave in. Bricks reportedly rained down onto the street below, prompting an evacuation of the surrounding area.
Cliff Johnson was working inside the building at the time and told PIX11 News how the collapse unfolded.
“The beams started crumbling, the floors started crumbling, and they might have to evacuate the other side,” he said. “The general contractor chose to go non‐union for this project. All we want is responsible construction in the City of New York.
“So you know, putting members in jeopardy, putting workers in jeopardy. You have got to do the right job, and you have got to do that every time.”
The steel beams inside appear to have buckled (Image: Fire Department of New York (FDNY)/X)
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) issued an update at around 1.20pm local time (6.20pm BST), stating: “Just before 8 am Tuesday, the FDNY received reports of a structural issue at an active construction site on East 42nd Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan.
“The call came in for reported issues at a 37-story building at 235 East 42nd Street that is currently being converted from a commercial office building into a residential building.
“FDNY units, as well as representatives from the Department of Buildings and NYC Emergency Management, responded and found structural issues on the 21st floor. Two structural columns buckled, and there were multiple cracks and sagging floors.”
Chief of Department John Esposito added: “It’s a very serious situation because the box beams – the steel beams – have started to bend and deflect from the weight.
“We evacuated the building and started evacuations of surrounding buildings. The building has continued to move since we have been on the scene.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as ‘serious’.
“The concern is that since we have been on site since the early morning, we have seen continued shift of the structure,” Mayor Mamdani added.
“Every few minutes we are looking at a new assessment of the structure and of the possibilities and the options that we have in front of us,” he added, stating that the city would keep local New Yorkers informed of developments.
Mamdani confirmed stabilisation work will commence once the building is declared safe.
He also reinforced the message from the Fire Department, which instructed residents to stay clear of the area to allow city workers to respond to the situation. A nearby school with approximately 400 pupils has been shut.
The evacuation triggered significant disruption throughout the morning and evening peak periods, and appears likely to cause chaos for commuters in the coming days. No injuries have been reported following the partial collapse.