NEW YORK (VINnews) — A 37-story building under construction in Manhattan was evacuated Tuesday after two structural support beams on the 21st floor began buckling, prompting a large emergency response and the evacuation of neighboring buildings as a precaution.

The incident was reported shortly after 8 a.m. at the former Pfizer global headquarters on East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues, which is being converted into a 1,500-unit luxury rental complex.

.@FDNY Activity: Expect traffic delays & emergency personnel near East 42nd Street & 2nd Avenue, Manhattan. Use alternate routes.

— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) July 7, 2026

According to authorities, construction workers noticed the structural columns beginning to buckle. No injuries were reported.

Video shows two columns buckled inside a Midtown building under construction. Dozens were evacuated and multiple streets were closed at the height of rush hour. See the full story : https://t.co/lgH632z6TN pic.twitter.com/7eYIZtJNPI

— PIX11 News (@PIX11News) July 7, 2026

The Fire Department of the City of New York initially responded to reports of bricks falling from the building, while the New York City Police Department later received a 911 call reporting the structural issue.

Officials closed East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues to vehicles and pedestrians as emergency crews responded. The New York City Department of Buildings said inspectors were on site and confirmed the project has an active construction permit.

The cause of the structural problem remains under investigation.

BREAKING: Manhattan Skyscraper EVACUATED after 2 support columns BUCKLE. 5 Floors Reportedly Caved in. Streets CLOSED around the building.

Video by Kevin RC Wilson | Licensing @FreedomNTV [email protected] pic.twitter.com/jWeLOrMhm4

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) July 7, 2026