A 33-story high-rise building in Midtown Manhattan was evacuated after structural columns buckled, prompting officials to describe the situation as 'extremely serious.' The building, formerly Pfizer's headquarters on East 42nd Street, is undergoing conversion into apartments.Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported, and all workers were accounted for.Engineers and firefighters are assessing the structure, with a team of six entering the building to evaluate shoring efforts.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in New York's construction industry, including rising costs, labor shortages, and material price increases.

Previous complaints about falling debris and unsafe conditions were filed with the city's Department of Buildings but were not substantiated during inspections.

The building's structural instability raises concerns about localized collapse risks due to its steel frame design, though officials emphasize that a total collapse is not possible.The evacuation has caused traffic disruptions and prompted the establishment of a 'collapse zone' around the site.The incident underscores the complexities of large-scale building conversions and the pressures facing New York's construction sector.