Manhattan high-rise emergency repairs after columns buckle

Emergency repairs are underway to stabilize a 1970s-era Manhattan skyscraper being converted into luxury flats after buckled columns and sagging floors forced evacuations. The precarious conditions were spotted Tuesday morning around 8am, prompting the evacuation of construction workers, nearby buildings including a school, diplomatic offices, and hotels in midtown. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it an 'extremely serious situation' and said the building remained unstable by early afternoon. City officials later found no additional movement, allowing contractors to proceed with shoring up the damage. The temporary measures are expected to last several days, impacting the area near Grand Central railway station. Fire and building officials are assessing surrounding buildings to determine if street closures or evacuation orders can be lifted; some residents were told it was safe to return by late Tuesday.