At least eight people have died and 17 others, including three firefighters, were injured following the collapse of a three-story apartment building in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 4:01 p.m. at 1321 Flatbush Avenue, where the building largely fell into an adjacent construction site, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed.
Emergency workers continued search and rescue operations into Thursday, using dogs, drones, helicopters, and heavy machinery to sift through the rubble. Officials noted that they did not immediately know how many individuals were inside the building at the time of the collapse. At least two of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The collapse coincided with excavation activities at a nearby construction site, where the city had approved plans for a new three-story building. Mayor Mamdani indicated that the Department of Buildings, along with law enforcement, would conduct an investigation into the causes of the collapse, stating, “There are no words for a loss of this magnitude. My heart is with the families and loved ones of those we have lost, those who are injured and everyone grieving today.”
City records show that the apartment building, built in 1930, had four units and was located on an avenue lined with shops in the Little Haiti section of Flatbush. Initial inspections prior to the collapse had raised concerns about its structural integrity. Notably, an inspection report filed in March indicated that the north facade of the building had “poor condition with noticeable cracks.”
A full stop-work order has been issued for the adjacent construction site, where the developers had an active permit for excavation and foundation work. During the time of the collapse, the construction site was under the supervision of a special inspector, although records indicate that the inspector’s license had expired in July. It remains unclear if that individual was present on site.
Local assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn reported that many of the victims included construction workers as well as residents of the collapsed building. She witnessed emergency teams rescue a toddler and a pregnant woman whose husband was frantically searching for her amid the debris.
The city’s emergency management agency and the American Red Cross have established a reception center for affected and displaced residents at the Flatbush Y.M.C.A., located at 1401 Flatbush Avenue. Authorities are encouraging individuals who are unable to reach someone believed to be impacted by the collapse to contact local service numbers for assistance.
Mayor Mamdani is scheduled to hold a news conference with Fire Department officials at 12 p.m. for further updates on the situation.
