Part of abandoned building falls in Times Square

Section of building collapses in Times Square

No injuries reported

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Part of an abandoned six-story building where 20,000 balloons for the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration were stored collapsed in the square early Tuesday, temporarily closing some of 42nd Street a day before the annual celebration. No injuries were reported.

Peter Coleman of the Times Square Business Improvement District said the balloons were recovered after the collapse at 5:20 a.m. They were stored in a section of the building that remained intact.

The combination of a winter storm and construction of a hotel and entertainment center next door apparently caused the collapse, city Buildings Commissioner Gaston Silva said. The structure was built in 1926-27.

To minimize vibrations that could cause further collapse, the New York Transit Authority was asked to reduce subway speeds in the area on Manhattan's west side.

On December 7, a facade being repaired at Madison Avenue and 55th Street crumbled, slightly injuring two pedestrians and forcing businesses to close during the busy holiday season.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Related story:

• Brooklyn apartment building collapses, 3 injured - August 6, 1997

Related sites:

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• NYCLink - official site of New York City
• New York City Transit home page

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