MASPETH, Queens – A young child was seriously injured Thursday evening when a chunk of brick fell from a garage building on 59th Avenue and struck her while she was playing outside. The incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of 56‑61 59th Avenue.

Injury and medical response

The 6‑year‑old was rushed to a nearby hospital with a broken leg. Hospital officials say she is in stable condition and is scheduled for surgery on Friday to repair the fracture. The child’s mother described the moment as “a very scary situation,” noting that the brick was “very heavy” and that the family walks past the site daily.

Department of Buildings investigation

New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) responded promptly, sending inspectors to the scene to photograph the building and collect evidence. The DOB has opened an investigation into the partial collapse and has issued a violation to the property owner for failing to maintain the structure.

Police officers also searched the sidewalk with flashlights to determine the exact cause of the debris fall. While the investigation is ongoing, officials suspect that a portion of the brickwork detached from the building’s exterior and fell onto the sidewalk.

Community impact

Neighbors expressed concern over the safety of the aging building and called for swift action to prevent future incidents. The incident highlights the importance of regular building inspections and maintenance, especially in densely populated neighborhoods like Maspeth.

Next steps

The DOB will continue its investigation and may require repairs or further enforcement actions depending on its findings. Residents are encouraged to report any signs of structural damage or unsafe conditions to city authorities.

Authorities remind the public that any building showing signs of deterioration—cracked walls, loose bricks, or water damage—should be reported immediately to help keep neighborhoods safe.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.