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Unstable New York City skyscraper sparks major Manhattan evacuation

Unstable New York City skyscraper sparks major Manhattan evacuation

Emergency crews evacuated a busy Manhattan street on Tuesday (Jul 7) after structural columns buckled inside a skyscraper undergoing construction work.

Officials said two columns had failed, with cracks and sagging floors leaving the building unstable.

Construction workers described seeing bent beams and a damaged section of the building before everyone was ordered to leave the site immediately.

The former Pfizer headquarters is being transformed into about 1,600 rental apartments. Developers said the affected area is limited and the 37-storey tower is not at risk of total collapse.