BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Diya TV) — One person was killed and at least 10 others were injured Wednesday after a three-story building in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood collapsed beside an excavation site. Firefighters searched the rubble for survivors, and at least one person remained trapped, authorities said.
The FDNY received the first 911 call at 4:01 p.m. and sent crews to 2625 Bedford Ave., between Newkirk and Flatbush avenues. The building that collapsed was identified as 1321 Flatbush Ave., next to the Bedford Avenue construction site. The distinction between the two addresses reflects the building and the adjoining lot, respectively.
The FDNY reported 10 injuries. The count of people in critical condition changed in early reports: ABC News cited two people in critical condition, while earlier updates reported by the Associated Press and CBS New York listed four in critical condition and six with minor injuries. At least one injured person was still trapped during the rescue operation, according to ABC News.
The three-story structure stood beside a lot where a one-story building had been demolished for a construction project. The lot was being excavated when the neighboring building fell into the pit, sending bricks and wood into the work area. A nearby building remained standing, but part of its shared wall was torn away, exposing rooms and personal belongings inside.
Firefighters searched by hand, moving debris as they worked. They used saws to cut through wreckage, along with dogs and drones to help locate people. Crews also used flashlights as darkness fell. News helicopter footage showed responders bringing at least one person out on a stretcher.
The Department of Buildings sent inspectors to assist with recovery operations and assess the stability of nearby structures. Council Member Farah Louis said her office was coordinating with emergency personnel and city agencies to reach affected families. The cause of the collapse had not been determined, and officials had not publicly attributed it to the adjacent construction work.
Public records reviewed by EditUSA show plans filed for a nine-story mixed-use building at 2625 Bedford Ave., with foundation and excavation filings. The records also list an April violation against the demolition contractor for continuing work while a stop-work order was in effect; the violation was later listed as resolved. The available records do not establish a connection between that violation and Wednesday’s collapse.
Rescue operations and the investigation continued Wednesday evening.
