# NYC building on E. 42nd St. in danger of collapse, evacuated after columns buckle

> Source: <https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/07/07/nyc-building-on-e-42nd-st-in-danger-of-collapse-evacuated-after-columns-buckle/>
> Published: 2026-07-07 14:46:37+00:00

**Getting your**

[Trinity Audio](//trinityaudio.ai)player ready...Construction workers at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper were evacuated Tuesday after two interior columns began to buckle — leading first responders to fear a collapse could be imminent, [FDNY](https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/index.page) officials said.

The FDNY was called to 235 E. 42nd St. near Second Ave. just before 8 a.m. when bricks began falling from the 38-story building.

Once they made their way inside, firefighters saw that two columns had buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing floors to sag between the 21st and 26th floors, officials said.

Firefighters evacuated the construction crew working on the building as well as several surrounding buildings as a precaution.

The city’s Department of Buildings is conducting an inspection.

*This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. *