Manhattan skyscraper evacuated after structural columns buckled

An unstable skyscraper in Manhattan was evacuated early Thursday after engineers observed several structural columns buckling under load. The 45‑story office tower, located on West 57th Street, prompted the immediate activation of the building’s fire‑alarm system, and more than 1,200 occupants were instructed to leave the premises via stairwells and emergency exits. New York City’s Office of Emergency Management coordinated with the Department of Buildings and the FDNY to secure the site, while nearby streets were temporarily closed to allow emergency vehicles and inspection crews to access the building.

City officials said the evacuation was precautionary while a thorough structural assessment is conducted. Preliminary reports indicate that corrosion and inadequate reinforcement may have contributed to the column failures, though a full investigation is pending. The building’s owners have pledged to cooperate with regulators, and tenants have been relocated to alternate office space. No injuries have been reported, and the skyscraper remains cordoned off pending further safety determinations.