Midtown collapse sparks criminal probe and Safety review; the Department of Buildings is at the center of investigations into construction safety standards and enforcement.
The Pfizer-era office tower at 235 East 42nd Street is stabilized after beams buckled on the 21st floor. Evacuations have ended as investigators assess what caused the failure and how to prevent a collapse during the largest office-to-residential conversion in New York City.
Investigations have begun into the Midtown East building after columns buckled and bricks fell, triggering evacuations and a criminal inquiry. Inspections target firms connected to the 42nd Street conversion project and its safety practices.