Midtown construction tower evacuated after buckling columns and falling bricks prompt collapse fears

A 37-story tower undergoing conversion into apartments near Manhattan's Grand Central station was evacuated Tuesday morning after structural problems raised fears it could collapse. Emergency crews responded to the scene at 235 East 42nd Street just before 8 a.m., according to rawstory.com, as a frantic rush-hour evacuation unfolded.

rawstory.comManhattan construction tower at risk of collapse triggers mass evacuations near Grand Central

"buckling columns and falling bricks triggering a frantic emergency response and mass evacuations during the Midtown rush hour."

The building, which previously served as the global headquarters for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, is now being turned into residential units, The Independent reported. The conversion project was underway when the structural issues emerged.

The IndependentHigh-rise building near NYC’s Grand Central station evacuated over fears it could collapse

"Firefighters responded to a call just before 8 a.m. as the building was at risk of collapse."

The evacuation affected nearby streets and businesses during one of the busiest commuting periods in Midtown. No injuries have been reported, but authorities cordoned off the area as engineers assessed the tower's stability. The incident highlights the challenges of repurposing aging commercial high-rises in dense urban centers.