Story perspectives

Former Pfizer HQ Collapse Evacuates School, Closes Midtown Streets

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Floor collapses at the former Pfizer headquarters being turned into apartments forced evacuation of a nearby school housing about 400 children.
Construction workers reported buckling support beams on the 21st and 22nd floors of 235 E. 42nd St., causing the 21st-26th floors to cave in.
The FDNY evacuated eight buildings, including the Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central hotel, and closed East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues and parts of Second and East 44th Streets.

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Story summary

Floor collapses at the former Pfizer headquarters being turned into apartments forced evacuation of a nearby school housing about 400 children.
Construction workers reported buckling support beams on the 21st and 22nd floors of 235 E. 42nd St., causing the 21st-26th floors to cave in.
The FDNY evacuated eight buildings, including the Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central hotel, and closed East 42nd Street between Second and Third avenues and parts of Second and East 44th Streets.