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

An under-construction high-rise building near New York City’s Grand Central Terminal was evacuated over fears that it would collapse after bricks were reported falling off the 38-story building.

Emergency responders were called to 235 East 42nd Street just before 8 a.m. Tuesday after workers noticed structural support beams beginning to buckle on the 21st and 22nd floors. Officials also found the floors between the 21st and 26th floors were sagging, the New York City Fire Department told The Independent.

The Midtown East building was once home to offices for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, but is being converted into a residential building with over 1,600 apartments. The project was slated to be completed in 2027.

The FDNY said on social media that it was involved in a “major technical rescue response” at the location.

Approximately 40 units and 130 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene. There were no reported injuries, the FDNY added.

Several nearby buildings, including a hotel and a school, have been evacuated as a precaution, the FDNY said.

The buildings evacuated include 225 East 43rd Street, 221 East 43rd Street, 815 2nd Avenue, 212 East 43rd Street, 211 East 43rd Street, 235 East 42nd Street and 210 East 43rd Street.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic is also closed on East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues.

Officials are using FDNY drones to examine the building, but their investigation is ongoing.

The New York City Department of Buildings was also at the scene investigating reports of structural issues.

“First responders have advised commuters to avoid the area and use alternate routes,” the agency said.

This is a breaking news story, check back for updates…