At least two people died and more than a dozen were injured, including seven children, after a three-story building collapsed in Brooklyn on Wednesday, officials said.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said 19 people were treated, including the two who died. Four patients were in critical condition and 12 were stable. A firefighter sustained minor injuries while responding.
The collapse happened in the Flatbush neighborhood. Rescue crews continued searching the rubble for anyone who might still be trapped, though officials had not said how many people could be inside or what caused the building to come down.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the Fire Department received a 911 call about the collapse at 1321 Flatbush Avenue at 4:01 p.m. Firefighters arrived within a minute and began search-and-rescue efforts.
“I am heartbroken to share that at this time, at least two New Yorkers have passed away,” Mamdani said at an evening news conference.
Officials did not say how old the children were or whether either person who died was a minor. About 250 firefighters and emergency medical personnel were at the scene.
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito cautioned that the site remained dangerous, with the possibility of another collapse.
“It’s a very unstable situation,” he said. “The adjoining building that remains partially intact is always a danger. Our main concern is the secondary collapse.”
Search operations could continue for several days, officials said. Firefighters and police were using K-9 teams to search through the debris.
Bonsignore said crews were moving carefully because of the risks to both victims and first responders. “Every move is choreographed and critically important to patient outcomes and member safety,” she said.
The collapsed building fell into a neighboring property where construction was underway. Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said excavation work was taking place at the site when the collapse happened.
The neighboring property had approved plans for a three-story building. Plans for a nine-story structure were still awaiting approval, Tigani said.
City building inspectors were assisting with recovery efforts and checking nearby structures for stability. Police warned of traffic delays and street closures in the area.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams said the city was monitoring the collapse and expressed concern for anyone trapped, as well as for the first responders trying to reach them.
Mamdani urged residents to stay away from the scene while crews worked. Flatbush Avenue was closed between Clarendon Road and Bedford Avenue, he said, adding that officials would share updates once details were confirmed.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said her administration had offered support as authorities investigate the collapse. She said those affected were in her thoughts.
The city’s Emergency Management office opened a reception center for residents affected by the incident, with the Red Cross nearby.
Officials said the investigation and rescue operation were ongoing.
