Brooklyn, New York: Residential building collapses in Flatbush, killing multiple residents
Search and rescue teams are working to find survivors after a three-storey residential complex collapsed, killing two people and leaving many others critical. Here is what we know.
A three-storey residential building has collapsed in New York City, killing two residents including a child.
At least 17 other people are confirmed injured, including six who are in critical conditions.
Firefighters responded to the incident in Flatbush, Brooklyn, at about 4pm local time on Wednesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Footage from local news helicopters show crews of firefighters combing through rubble for survivors.
In a heart-stopping moment, first responders can be seen using a saw to cut through the wreckage to pull out a trapped resident who is then carried away on a stretcher.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters this was a “devastating” incident for the local community.
“I am heartbroken to share that at this time, at least two New Yorkers have passed away,” he said.
“I want to ask New Yorkers to please take a moment to pray for those who have passed away today and all of those who are mourning their loss.
“As we rebuild, the city of New York will stand alongside those impacted every step of the way.”
Mr Mamdani took the time to praise emergency services for their fast response as well as their search and rescue efforts.
He said within one minute of the 911 call for help, emergency response had commenced, and a crew of more than 250 first responders had been involved in the search and rescue process.
“This has been an incredibly challenging, fast-moving situation with precarious wreckage to navigate and dangerous voids beneath the surface,” Mr Mamdani said.
The building that collapsed is located at the edge of a construction site where another one-storey complex had recently been torn down to make way for developments.
The site was being actively excavated at the time of the collapse on Wednesday afternoon.
A pit at the centre of the site became filled in with brick and wood rubble from the building’s wreckage.
A second building that shares a wall with the collapsed complex had an exterior wall sheered off in the chaos, exposing internal stairwells and bedrooms.
Flatbush YMCA has opened its doors to provide resources and shelter for displaced families, the American Red Cross saying at least eight households have been affected.
Search and rescue teams have continued working into the night.
