Chaos unfolded in Manhattan yesterday when part of a scaffold collapsed onto a sidewalk shed at Yeshiva University's Belz Building. The alarming event occurred around 9:20 a.m., as reported by PIX11 News. A 6-foot-by-70-foot section of the building's facade dislodged, bringing down with it a sizable portion of the street-level protective structure along West 185th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
According to ABC7NY, no injuries were reported in the incident, although the collapse forced part of the sidewalk shed to give way as well. The immediate area around the site was cordoned off for public safety as officials began their investigation and cleanup operation.
The Department of Buildings inspectors promptly responded to the scene to assess structural stability. In the aftermath of the collapse, the DOB has issued a Stop Work Order, halting all construction efforts except for necessary operations conducted by the city's department. Amsterdam Avenue was shuttered from 184th to 186th Streets as teams worked to stabilize the remaining scaffolding and clear the debris.
While the incident could have had dire consequences, "Currently the area is being cleaned and the scaffolding is being repaired. Once that is completed the building will be able to be reoccupied," a representative of Yeshiva University told PIX11 News. Videos shared on social media show the aftermath, with rubble spread across the pavement behind police tape.
The investigation into the cause of the collapse remains ongoing as the university and city officials work to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, staff, and residents in the vicinity. Despite the presence of active work permits for facade repairs at the time of the accident, the university and contractors will need to address the DOB's safety concerns before any further work can recommence.
