Partial collapse of a skyscraper in New York. Mamdani: “The priority is the safety of those living in the area”

In the heart of Manhattan, in New York, fears are growing that a skyscraper may partially collapse. “Two load-bearing columns have buckled, and several cracks and sagging ceilings have also been detected,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a press conference, according to the DPA. Previous measurements had indicated that the building was shifting. By evening, this movement had ceased, allowing temporary supports to be installed to stabilise the structure. The 37-storey complex on 42nd Street in Midtown has been cordoned off over a wide area, inspected by fire service drones and monitored using devices capable of detecting movements down to the centimetre, the fire service reported. As it is a steel structure, a total collapse is not expected; at most, a localised collapse. “However, this remains our main concern,” said a fire service official. The situation is “very serious”.

The mayor Mamdani held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the structural failure that is bringing Manhattan to a standstill. The mayor’s office stated that a team had inspected the building floor by floor and found no further movement in the damaged columns. Contractors on site have been given the go-ahead to proceed with emergency repairs. The building, a former Pfizer headquarters, is currently being converted into luxury flats.

Several buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated and a number of roads in Midtown Manhattan were closed. Mamdani told reporters that the New York Fire Department (NYFD) had received reports at around 8 am of ‘bricks falling from the building’ on East 42nd Street, between Second and Third Avenue. Rescue workers discovered that two structural columns had buckled on the 21st floor, along with numerous cracks and sloping floors.

“Fortunately, at the moment there are no injuries to report,” added Mamdani. Most of the streets between 42nd and 43rd, between First and Third Avenue, have been closed to pedestrians and vehicles whilst officials assess the damage, and inspectors and engineers from the City’s Buildings Department are on site to work on securing the building and the surrounding area. “Our top priority right now is the safety of those living in this area, and the safety of those working here,” said the mayor. The cause of this structural collapse has not yet been established.

New York’s Building Commissioner, Ahmed Tigani, stated on Tuesday evening that the building is stable for the time being, whilst pointing out that the surrounding neighbourhood could remain on high alert “for the next two days”. “I can confirm that the building is currently stable,” said Tigani. “We have confidence in the contingency plan we have put in place.”