ALBAWABA- Emergency crews responded to a significant rooftop fire in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, after thick black smoke was seen rising from a high-rise building near Grand Central Terminal.
Eyewitness footage and social media reports from around 14:00 local time showed dense smoke billowing from what appeared to be an HVAC or mechanical unit atop a skyscraper near 1285 Avenue of the Americas, several blocks from the transit hub. Units from the New York City Fire Department deployed ladders and personnel to contain the blaze amid heavy traffic and pedestrian congestion.
Initial reports described the incident as a “massive” fire, triggering public concern and calls to avoid the area. However, subsequent updates clarified that the blaze was confined to the rooftop of a nearby building and did not involve Grand Central Terminal itself. There were no immediate indications of structural damage to the terminal or large-scale evacuations.
As of late evening, authorities had not issued an official statement detailing the cause, extent of damage, or any injuries. Residents and commuters reported visible smoke from several blocks away, coinciding with increased activity in the city during the St. Patrick's Day period.
