Residents of Flatbush, Brooklyn, were shocked on Wednesday when a three‑story apartment building on Bedford Avenue gave way, killing eight people and injuring at least 17, including three firefighters. The tragedy unfolded inside a third‑floor unit owned by Anderson Velez, whose family was captured on video as the living‑room wall crumbled.
In the harrowing footage, Velez’s nine‑year‑old son can be seen clutching a baby bottle while pulling a gallon of milk from the refrigerator. A two‑year‑old plays nearby. Moments later, Velez’s wife bursts through a doorway screaming, and the boy runs toward her as the walls collapse around them. “I am still in shock,” Velez told reporters. “The truth is, I’m trying to be strong for my son, but I feel terrible.”
City response and investigation
Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on X, “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.” He pledged that the city will pursue a full investigation and hold any responsible parties accountable.
New York City Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani confirmed that excavation was underway at the adjacent property on Bedford Avenue at the time of the collapse. “The type of work they were conducting was excavation work on that job site,” Tigani said. “They have a plan approved for a three‑story building, but they have current plans looking for a nine‑story building, which has not yet been approved. At this point, all we have at this time is excavation work in that section of the construction site.”
Past violations raise questions
The neighboring property’s owner has come under scrutiny for prior construction violations, including a contractor’s decision to ignore a city stop‑work order issued in March. Fox News Digital previously reported on those violations, suggesting a pattern of non‑compliance with city safety regulations.
City officials say the investigation will focus on whether the excavation work violated any permits or safety codes and whether the lack of proper oversight contributed to the collapse. “We will not tolerate any shortcuts that endanger the lives of New Yorkers,” Mayor Mamdani added.
Rescue efforts and community impact
Rescue crews spent hours sifting through the rubble before confirming the eight fatalities. The effort involved multiple fire companies, emergency medical services, and the New York Police Department’s emergency response unit. Families of the victims have been notified, and counseling services are being offered to those affected.
The tragedy has sparked concern among Flatbush residents about the safety of nearby construction projects. Community leaders are urging the Department of Buildings to enforce stricter oversight and to ensure that all excavation and building plans receive proper approval before work begins.
Looking ahead
Mayor Mamdani has promised to work with the Buildings Department to review current permitting processes and to consider new safeguards to prevent similar disasters. “Our priority is to protect the safety of every New Yorker,” he said. “We will take decisive action to ensure that developers and contractors follow the law and that our neighborhoods remain safe places to live and raise families.”
Fox News Digital’s Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
