NYC Mayor press conference on skyscraper collapse risk | FOX 10 Phoenix

Officials in New York City have provided an urgent briefing detailing an extremely serious structural crisis at 235 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, where a 37-story high-rise remains unstable. The structure is an active construction site undergoing a major commercial-to-residential office conversion, which included adding 11 floors on top of the original 22-story frame. Key Briefing Details: The Damage: Two critical steel box beams/columns have severely buckled on the 21st floor, causing sagging floors and multiple cracks. Active Shifting: Officials warn that the situation is developing "minute-by-minute." Specialized laser tracking and FDNY drone units have confirmed continued structural movement since first responders arrived on the scene. Mass Evacuations: The high-rise and seven surrounding buildings have been completely evacuated. Fortunately, all construction workers have been accounted for and no injuries have been reported. NYPD Frozen Zone: A strict vehicular and pedestrian perimeter has been established from 40th Street to 45th Street, between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue. The public is urged to avoid the entire area. The Response Plan: Engineering teams are closely monitoring the movement. Once the building is safe to enter, crews plan to install emergency struts and trusses to share the structural load and stabilize the 21st floor. The Chief of Department noted that while a total collapse is unlikely due to the steel frame, a dangerous "localized collapse" remains the primary concern.