Two people died and 19 others were injured when a three-story building collapsed in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The structure at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell into an excavation site at 2625 Bedford Avenue after 4 p.m., according to the New York City Fire Department.
Four of the 19 patients remain in critical condition. 12 are stable, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. Seven children were also injured in the incident.
A husband cried tears of relief after he said his pregnant wife was pulled from Brooklyn collapse rubble and is alive. pic.twitter.com/hU9jlU25A4
FDNY Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said the scene was a “dangerous” and “perilous“environment for first responders, noting that the rescue effort would be a”prolonged operation.”
“We know that we are not finished here, and we will likely not be finished here for quite some time,” said FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito.
FDNY members continue to operate at a major technical rescue in Brooklyn. https://t.co/lRH03T94nD pic.twitter.com/vm1ME9VCAx
Commissioner Bonsignore said the operation was complicated by precarious wreckage and dangerous voids beneath the surface. Crews used drones, K-9 units, and vacuum trucks to search the debris.
City records show the site at 2625 Bedford Avenue has a history of regulatory issues. Inspectors issued a violation in April for continuing demolition work under a stop-work order.
My heart breaks for the family who lost a loved one in today’s building collapse in Brooklyn. I’m keeping them in my thoughts and praying for everyone affected. My administration has reached out and offered its full support as authorities investigate what happened.
Department of Buildings records from May show multiple issues with the project. These included a failure to provide overhead protection for neighbors and a failure to follow construction drawings. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office is working with the Department of Buildings and law enforcement to determine if criminal conduct contributed to the collapse.
Emergency crews worked through the night. A man waiting outside told reporters his pregnant wife was inside when the building fell. He later said, “I have an update from my wife, she is alive,” before boarding an ambulance.
🚨 HAPPENING NOW: FDNY units are currently operating at a building collapse on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/hZmL1peDKI
The Emergency Management office and the Red Cross set up a center for displaced residents at the Flatbush YMCA at 1401 Flatbush Avenue.
“As emergency operations continue, please join me in holding our neighbors and the members of this community in our hearts,” Mamdani said in a statement.
Witnesses described the collapse. Novella Spence, a 51-year-old resident, said she was awakened by her child. “Mommy the building is falling,” she recalled her daughter saying.
Ace Rogers reported hearing two loud bangs. “Coming from work, all I hear is two loud bangs; it scared the s–t out of me,” Rogers said.
First responders are on the scene of a building collapse on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where they are working quickly to secure the location and assist New Yorkers. Flatbush Avenue is closed from Clarendon Road to Bedford Avenue – please avoid the area so rescue crews can…
The Department of Buildings is assisting with recovery and checking the stability of nearby buildings. Officials have not released the ages of the victims who died. They have not established how many people may still be in the collapse zone.
People unable to reach loved ones should call 311. Those calling from outside New York City may call 212-639-9675.
At 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to 1321 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn for a collapse of a three-story, multiple-dwelling building into an adjacent construction site. Units arrived within one minute and immediately started search-and-rescue operations. Two people have… pic.twitter.com/zSZBzsRu0C
Earlier coverage: Brooklyn Building Collapse Kills One and Injures 17 People
Due to a partial building collapse, please avoid the area surrounding Bedford Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Expect street closures, traffic delays, and consider alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/03mjZm3TjI
More on Brooklyn
I joined @fdny and emergency crews at the scene of today's tragic building collapse on Flatbush Avenue. Two of our neighbors have lost their lives, and at least 17 others have been injured, including one firefighter. My heart is with the families and loved ones mourning those we…
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