Update, 3:54 p.m., Saturday, February 17, 2018: The NYPD says the man struck by the piece of the fire escape has died.


Authorities say two pedestrians were struck by a falling piece of metal in Manhattan Friday afternoon.

According to the FDNY, a building inspector was looking at the facade on a building on Howard Street at approximately 1:40 p.m. when a step on a fire escape became dislodged and fell seven stories.

The step struck a male and female pedestrian, fire officials say.

The male and female who were struck were transported to Bellevue Hospital with serious injuries.

Officials say the building inspector fell partially through the fire escape after the step fell. She was able to pull herself up and refused medical attention.