Building Collapse In Lower Manhattan Forces Evacuations: FDNY

FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NY — A vacant building collapsed in Lower Manhattan Friday morning sending debris crashing through nearby scaffolding and forced neighbors to evacuate, FDNY said.

The Financial District building, 21 Park Place, suffered a partial interior collapse at 3:22 a.m. when the the third floor of the five-story building caved in and sent debris careening through the building's scaffolding and onto the street, a FDNY spokeswoman said.

Fire officials said the building was under construction and set to be demolished.

Three surrounding buildings were evacuated and a handful of families were displaced due to the early morning chaos.

Inspectors with the Department of Buildings are on the scene and will determine if the building requires immediate demolition.

Park Place is closed in both directions between Church Street and Broadway. Drivers are advised to consider alternate routes, according to the Office of Emergency Management.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps