Benjamin Carroll

3 Hurt as Part of NYC Building Falls 6 Stories to Sidewalk; Subway Service Affected

A section of decorative molding fell from the top of a six-story Bronx commercial building to the sidewalk late Sunday, officials say, injuring three people and affecting subway service during the Monday morning rush.

A spokesman for the Department of Buildings described the part that fell as a "section of decorative masonry cornice," and said the partial collapse was near the main entrance of the East 149th Street building, which appeared to be an office. One of the three people hurt was hospitalized in critical condition Monday. 

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Chopper 4 showed debris littering the sidewalk in front of the subway entrance. According to the MTA, southbound 2 and 5 trains were traveling at a reduced speed at Third Avenue-149th Street in Melrose.

The DOB said a full vacate order was issued for the entire building. The building owner also was cited for failing to maintain the structure. The owner also must construct a sidewalk shed around the building, the department said. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Separately, signal problems at various stations and trains with mechanical problems caused delays for subway riders on other lines. Get real-time commute updates below.

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