Emergency in New York: risk of collapse at a large residential complex near Grand Central

An alarming situation was reported on Tuesday morning in New York, where a major residential project near Grand Central Terminal faced the risk of collapse, forcing the evacuation of workers and nearby buildings.

The report of the incident reached the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) shortly before 08:00, after falling bricks were reported at the building located at 235 East 42nd Street. The building, which was previously the headquarters of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, is currently being converted into a residential complex with more than 1,600 apartments.

The Department of Buildings said that a safety official had identified serious damage to a metal beam on the 21st floor, raising further concerns about the stability of the structure.

Meanwhile, the Fire Department said that two support columns inside the building had begun to bend, while signs of sinking had been observed on some of the upper floors.

As a safety measure, workers were immediately removed from the site, while authorities also ordered the evacuation of two neighboring buildings, at 225 and 221 East 43rd Street.

The plan for the project envisions turning the former Pfizer complex into a modern residential area with more than 1,600 apartments, with completion scheduled for 2027.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the causes of the damage and to verify the structural safety of the building.