MXEmergency services in New York City closed several streets and evacuated hotels, offices, and residences in Manhattan after structural columns in a 38-story skyscraper under renovation reportedly bent. The building, which housed the headquarters of pharmaceutical company Pfizer near Grand Central Station and the UN headquarters, was being converted from office space into residential units. According to the New York Fire Department, two columns had bent on floors 21 and 22, causing partial floor collapse between levels 21 and 26. Approximately 40 units were affected, with around 130 firefighters and emergency medical personnel deployed. No injuries have been reported yet. Nearby hotels, businesses, and apartments were evacuated as a precautionary measure while police and firefighters patrolled the area. The New York City Department of Buildings stated that their structural engineers were investigating potential structural issues at the site.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the incident, citing official sources such as the New York Fire Department and the New York City Department of Buildings. It includes quotes from a construction worker and mentions the involvement of emergency services without apparent bias toward any side.
