Authorities in New York declared a state of emergency after a 38-story building near Grand Central Terminal was deemed at risk of collapse, triggering evacuations and the closure of several streets in Midtown Manhattan.
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) was alerted after falling bricks were reported in the area around the building.
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According to the Department of Buildings, a safety official found that a metal beam on the 21st floor had suffered severe damage.
Meanwhile, the FDNY said that two support columns inside the building had begun to bend, while some of the upper floors were showing signs of sinking.
As a safety measure, all workers were immediately evacuated from the construction site, while authorities also ordered the evacuation of two nearby buildings.
Engineers from the Department of Buildings are at the scene to assess the structural condition of the property. For safety reasons, hotels, shops and apartments in the area have also been evacuated, while several streets have been closed to traffic.
Authorities have urged residents and drivers to avoid the area until inspections are completed and the situation is stabilized.
