Manhattan high-rise at risk of partial collapse, officials confident in stabilization efforts

A Manhattan high-rise, formerly the Pfizer headquarters and currently undergoing conversion to luxury apartments, faced a serious structural crisis on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, when several support columns buckled and floors began to sag. The precarious conditions, first reported around 8 AM, prompted the immediate evacuation of the building at 235 East 42nd Street, along with nearby structures including a school and diplomatic offices. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as "extremely serious," though fire officials indicated that any potential collapse would likely be localized rather than total.

Emergency crews swiftly moved to stabilize the 1970s-era skyscraper, located in a busy Midtown corridor. After initial assessments confirmed no further movement of the damaged columns, on-site contractors were given approval to begin critical repairs. These temporary measures are expected to continue for several days, aiming to secure the building and eventually allow for the lifting of area closures and evacuation orders, with no injuries reported in the incident.