Construction workers at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper were evacuated Tuesday after two interior columns began to buckle — leading first responders to fear a collapse could be imminent, FDNY officials said.

The FDNY was called to 235 E. 42nd St. near Second Ave. just before 8 a.m. when bricks began falling from the 38-story building.

Construction workers were evacuated from a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper at 235 E. 42nd St. at Second Ave. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after two interior columns began to buckle. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News; Obtained by Daily News)
Construction workers were evacuated from a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper at 235 E. 42nd St. at Second Ave. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after two interior columns began to buckle. (Barry Williams / New York Daily News; Obtained by Daily News)

Once they made their way inside, firefighters saw that two columns had buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing floors to sag between the 21st and 26th floors, officials said.

Firefighters evacuated the construction crew working on the building as well as several surrounding buildings as a precaution.

The former Pfizer World Headquarters on E. 42nd St. and Second Ave. is pictured in Manhattan in 2020. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News)
The former Pfizer World Headquarters on E. 42nd St. and Second Ave. is pictured in Manhattan in 2020. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News)

The city’s Department of Buildings is conducting an inspection.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.