Brooklyn Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed Thursday morning that eight New Yorkers have been confirmed dead after a three‑story building on Flatbush Avenue near Bedford Avenue collapsed Wednesday afternoon. At least 17 people were injured, including three firefighters and seven children, according to the FDNY.
Rescue operation intensifies
Firefighters have been on the scene since the collapse, working through the night to sift through unstable piles of brick, wood and debris. Teams used search dogs, orange buckets, pickaxes and power saws to reach anyone trapped beneath the rubble. The Department of Buildings said the site was undergoing approved excavation work for a new three‑story structure, with plans for a nine‑story building still pending approval.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore warned that the victim count could change “by the minute” as the operation, expected to last several days, continues. She emphasized collaboration with the NYPD to verify missing persons reports and to assess the structural stability of adjacent buildings.
Impact on families and community
One grieving family shared that their 26‑year‑old brother, Jose Luis Caguana, an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the United States for about six years, was among those killed. Caguana was the sole provider for his pregnant wife and young child. His brother described the family’s overwhelming pain and the uncertainty they now face.
Another survivor recounted that a cousin escaped serious injury only because he paused to retrieve his hammer before the collapse, highlighting how small actions can make a life‑saving difference.
City response and assistance
Mayor Mamdani urged residents to avoid the area as Flatbush Avenue remains closed from Clarendon Road to Bedford Avenue. The city’s Office of Emergency Management warned of possible traffic delays and secondary collapses.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences on social media, noting that her administration has offered full support to investigators. The American Red Cross set up a reception center at the Flatbush YMCA, providing emergency assistance to six households—11 adults and two children—who have registered for help.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. The Department of Buildings confirmed that the excavation was part of an approved plan, but the larger nine‑story project had not received final approval. Inspectors remain on site to evaluate the structural integrity of neighboring buildings.
The owner of the collapsed building, a limited liability company linked to Robert Fischman, has not responded to media inquiries. NBC New York was unable to reach the owner of the adjacent structure, which suffered wall damage but remains standing.
Community prayers and support
Local faith leaders and community groups have gathered to pray for the victims and their families. The city continues to coordinate with emergency services, volunteers and charitable organizations to provide shelter, food and emotional support as the investigation proceeds.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
