Worker injured in explosion at former AT&T headquarters in Manhattan

Two workers were seriously injured Wednesday morning when an improperly stored acetylene gas tank exploded in an area under construction in the landmarked Manhattan building where AT&T was once headquartered, authorities said.

One worker was sent to Weill Cornell Hospital and another was taken to Bellevue for serious injuries about 6:30 a.m. after a blast from a gas build-up in a storage container was sparked by a Sawzall that they used to cut a padlock by workers to get their tools, according to the Fire Department and the Department of Buildings. The incident happened at 550 Madison Ave, formerly known as the Sony Tower.

FDNY Fire tricks are pictured outside building located at 550 Madison Avenue (formerly known as the Sony Tower, Sony Plaza, and AT&T Building) where a acetylene explosion early Wednesday, July 12, 2023 injured two workers on the 34th floor of the iconic tower.

After the mishap, DOB investigators uncovered other hazards in the building, prompting them to issue a partial work order.

The freight elevator used for construction had an expired FDNY permit, according to the DOB.

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