Buckled columns force evacuation at Manhattan tower conversion site
What's new: Officials reported no injuries, but nearby homes, businesses, a school and streets were cleared as engineers worked to stabilize the building.
Emergency crews cleared a Midtown Manhattan block during Monday morning rush hour after two structural columns buckled inside a former Pfizer office tower being converted into apartments. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said multiple cracks and sagging floors were also found, and responders saw additional movement in one damaged column after arriving. No injuries were reported, and all workers were accounted for. Hotels, businesses, apartments and a school near Grand Central were evacuated as a precaution, while streets were shut and a drone was sent up to inspect the damage. Officials said emergency struts and beams would be brought in to shore up the structure as engineers prepared a stabilization plan.