Manhattan high-rise evacuated as columns buckle and floors sag

Workers in Manhattan began making emergency repairs to stabilise a high-rise Tuesday evening after buckled columns and sagging floors forced evacuations in and around the midtown construction site.

The scene unfolded throughout the day after the precarious conditions were spotted in the morning at the 1970s-era building, which is being converted into luxury apartments.

Construction workers at the site and people in nearby buildings including a school,diplomatic offices and several hotels were rushed out after firefighters were called to the scene.

City officials went floor-by-floor later found no additional movement of the damaged columns, giving on-site contractors the greenlight to move forward with emergency repairs.