NYC Hotel Evacuated Amid Pfizer Building Collapse Fears

A recent Ohio University graduate, Hunter Puterbaugh, experienced a disruptive welcome to New York City when his hotel was evacuated on July 7 due to fears of a building collapse near the Pfizer Building in Midtown Manhattan. Puterbaugh, 22, had just arrived from Ohio and was staying at the Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central while awaiting his apartment lease to begin. The evacuation occurred as he was returning from his new finance job in White Plains, New York.

Puterbaugh received a text from his father, who was assisting with his move, informing him that their hotel was among the buildings being evacuated. This unexpected event added significant anxiety to his already substantial move from small towns to New York City. He had planned to collect his belongings from the Hampton Inn and move into his new apartment, but instead, he had to relocate to the Voco Times Square South hotel.

The first night at the new hotel was covered by the original accommodation. Puterbaugh's father had been evacuated from the Hampton Inn around 11 a.m. after a fire alarm sounded. He was reportedly stuck in a coffee shop for several hours before being allowed to leave the area, with authorities stating that no one could return to the affected zone.