A building under construction on East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan has prompted multiple evacuations and sent bricks falling from its 21st floor. Firefighters responded to the scene just before 8am on Tuesday, with over 100 fire and EMS personnel attending.

According to officials, the 38-story building’s floors are sagging between the 21st and 26th floor, with two columns buckled. The unstable structure has forced evacuations of nearby buildings, including nine in total. These include properties at 225 East 43rd Street, 231 East 43rd Street and 681-701 3rd Avenue.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that a school with approximately 400 children had also been evacuated, while most of 42nd Street and 43rd Street between First and Third Avenues have been shut down to pedestrians and vehicles. Department of Buildings officials are investigating reports that a steel beam was compromised during the renovation process.

The building is being converted from offices to residences by developer Metro Loft. The company stated that they are working closely with the Department of Buildings to understand the full scope of the situation, prioritising the safety of workers and the public above all else.

Inspectors have issued several fines to the contractor, 235 GC LLC, in recent months due to reports of debris falling from the construction site. A $5,000 fine was issued in July 2025 after a piece of window glass landed on a sidewalk shed, while a metal panel fell from the 33rd floor and landed on the sidewalk in August 2025, resulting in a $10,000 penalty.

The contractor has racked up a total of seven violations and tens of thousands in fines over the last year. No injuries were reported as a result of Tuesday’s incident, with officials using FDNY drone footage to examine the building.

Representatives from the Steamfitters Union have expressed concerns about the safety of construction workers on site. Cliff Johnsen, a union spokesperson, stated that not enough steel was being added to the building during renovation, leading to bent beams and cracked windows. He blamed the developer for prioritising profit over safety.

The Department of Buildings is investigating the reports of compromised steel beams. The city has issued several fines to the contractor in recent months due to reports of debris falling from the construction site. With multiple evacuations taking place and a school with 400 children affected, the situation remains under close scrutiny.