Scaffolding Collapse at Yeshiva University in Washington Heights

A section of scaffolding collapsed outside a Yeshiva University building in Washington Heights on Sunday morning, March 23, 2025. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. at the five-story building located on West 185th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. According to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), part of the scaffolding on the fifth floor detached and fell onto the sidewalk shed below, causing a partial collapse of the shed.

<img src="https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/16073471_032325-wabc-manhattan-scaffolding-collapse-img.jpg" alt="Image of the scaffolding collapse">

The DOB is investigating the cause of the collapse. The building's owners held active work permits for facade repairs at the time of the incident. All work has been halted, except for city-led operations, and the DOB has ordered stabilization of the remaining infrastructure to ensure safety during cleanup.

Authorities Respond

The quick response and the fact that no one was hurt is considered fortunate. The DOB's swift action in halting work and ordering stabilization demonstrates the city's commitment to construction site safety.

This incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of scaffolding in NYC construction sites.