Panic swept through Midtown Manhattan as thick smoke poured into the streets from a basement fire in a skyscraper near 6th Avenue and W 53rd Street.
Video posted to social media shows helicopters circling overhead while confused crowds gathered nearby.
New York resident captured the smoke filling up on the skies as he watched on in confusion on W 54th Street.
The fire is believed to have started near the Midtown Hilton Hotel, though officials have not confirmed the exact source.
FDNY warned of major traffic delays, road closures, and transit disruptions in the area as emergency crews responded.