Manhattan Skyscraper Evacuated Over Collapse Risk

Major Operation Involving Emergency Personnel and Drone

Clifford Johnsen of the steamfitters union Local 638 sharply criticized the ongoing conversion work on the former Pfizer high-rise. Johnsen, who says he has worked in the construction trade for 21 years, said: „Das Aufsetzen zusätzlicher Stockwerke auf das bestehende Bürogebäude habe Druck auf die Stützpfeiler ausgeübt“. The construction work had apparently not been properly planned.

Johnsen further said: „Ich bin seit 21 Jahren im Baugewerbe, und ich habe noch nie einen Träger gesehen, der sich in der Mitte durchbiegt - das ist hochgradig gefährlich“. Police closed off several streets around the tower, according to AFP reporters. People in surrounding hotels, office buildings, and residential buildings were brought to safety.

Criticism of the Conversion Work

Initially there were no reports of injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the heart of Manhattan, not far from the UN headquarters and one of the city's busiest traffic arteries. The Department of Buildings announced it would further investigate the construction site and decide on possible further measures.

The case raises questions about the safety of vertical expansion projects on existing high-rises. In New York, numerous older office buildings have been converted into residential space in recent years, which frequently requires structural interventions in the existing load-bearing structure. Should the suspicion of deficient planning be confirmed, the investigations could also have consequences for comparable projects in the city.

Authorities asked residents and workers in the surrounding area to avoid the area widely until the structural investigation is completed. When residents will be able to return to their buildings was initially unclear.