Huge Midtown Manhattan building evacuated over fears it is on verge of COLLAPSE after construction workers noticed cracks and buckling columns

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:33, 7 July 2026 | Updated: 15:59, 7 July 2026 A Midtown Manhattan office building that was being renovated into luxury apartments has been evacuated amid fears that it is on the verge of collapsing. Construction crews self-evacuated from the 37-story skyscraper on East 42nd Street just after 8am Tuesday after they discovered that two support beams had begun to buckle on the 21st and 22nd floors. The 21st to 26th floors of the building, which once housed pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, started caving in under the stress, officials say.  No injuries have been reported, according to the NYPD, but an evacuation has been ordered as a precaution.  Eight nearby buildings have also been evacuated as emergency crews work the scene. The FDNY said it is currently investigating a 'major technical rescue response.' New York City Department of Buildings inspectors also responded to the site and are actively investigating the situation. East 42nd Street, between Second and Third avenues, is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Commuters are advised to avoid the area. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.  The office building, which once housed pharmaceutical giant Pfizer , was evacuated Tuesday morning after construction workers noticed cracks and buckling columns FDNY crews are on scene, investigating what the department has described as a 'major technical rescue response' First responders were dispatched to the 37-floor building just after 8am Tuesday East 42nd Street, between Second and Third avenues, is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as officials continue their investigation. Commuters are advised to avoid the area