Fearing Collapse, FDNY Crews Evacuate Two Manhattan Skyscrapers

Two columns buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing others in the 38-story building to sag, FDNY firefighters found.

Thomas Tracy

New York Daily News

(TNS)

Construction workers at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper were evacuated Tuesday after two interior columns began to buckle — leading first responders to fear a collapse could be imminent, FDNY officials said.

The FDNY was called to 235 E. 42nd St. near Second Ave. just before 8 a.m. when bricks began falling from the 38-story building.

Once they made their way inside, firefighters saw that two columns had buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing floors to sag between the 21st and 26th floors, officials said.

Firefighters evacuated the construction crew working on the building as well as several surrounding buildings as a precaution.

The city’s Department of Buildings is conducting an inspection.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.  

©2026 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

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