Midtown Manhattan Building Evacuated After Support Columns Buckle

A former Pfizer office building in Midtown Manhattan was evacuated Tuesday morning after inspectors found two support columns buckling and floors sagging between the 21st and 26th floors.

Fire officials said the structural issues prompted the immediate clearance of the building, which is being converted from offices to residences. Several nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precaution against potential collapse. The complex had previously housed offices for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer before the conversion project began.

Inspectors identified the buckling columns and sagging floors during a routine check of the ongoing residential conversion. Officials have not released a timeline for when residents or workers might be allowed to return. " — CBS News, July 7, 2026 No injuries were reported in connection with the evacuation.