Loose Scaffolding Closes Block of Broadway, Perturbs Smoker

Strong winds blowing down Broadway dislodged a piece of aluminum scaffolding in front of the offices of The Observer around 2:30 this afternoon. Firetrucks stopped traffic on the block between 20th and 21st streets, as firefighters secured the loose metal sheet.

The main elevators at 915 Broadway were temporarily closed, forcing tenants to use the freight elevator, and perturbing at least one Observer editor who needed a ready exit for smoking. The main elevators have reopened as has the block of Broadway.

No one was injured.