Flatbush, Brooklyn – On Wednesday a residential building in Flatbush gave way, trapping dozens of residents beneath the rubble. Among those caught in the disaster was Fatoumata Bah, who was six months pregnant at the time. Her husband, Mamadou Mouctar Balde, returned to the scene after running errands and found the structure collapsed, with no sign of his wife or their neighbors.
Search and rescue
Balde described the moment he arrived at the wreckage, speaking in French, “I hadn’t seen my wife, I hadn’t seen my neighbors; I felt completely lost, not knowing what was happening.” Emergency crews from the FDNY, along with police and city firefighters, quickly mobilized to search the debris. Their coordinated effort uncovered the bodies of two of Balde’s relatives – cousins Mamadou N’Diaye, 31, who had been sleeping on a couch, and Mamadou Barry, 23, who was cooking when the building fell.
Survival and gratitude
Despite the tragedy, Bah was rescued alive and transported to Kings County Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was in stable condition and that the unborn child was also unharmed. “She is OK right now, she’s at Kings County Hospital and they are taking care of her,” Balde told reporters, adding, “Yes, the baby is OK.” He expressed profound gratitude to the first‑responders, saying, “I am very happy… I have an update she is alive, she is still alive, I am very happy.”
Family mourning
While celebrating the survival of his wife and child, Balde also mourned the loss of his two cousins, whose bodies were recovered from the rubble. “I’m feeling sad, I’m very very sad, I don’t have words to explain that,” he said, acknowledging the deep pain his family endures.
Community response
The Flatbush community rallied around the family, offering meals, prayers, and support. Local churches organized prayer vigils, reflecting the neighborhood’s strong faith‑based ties. Residents praised the swift response of emergency services, noting that the coordinated rescue saved lives and prevented further casualties.
Looking ahead
City officials have launched an investigation into the building’s structural integrity and the circumstances that led to the collapse. The Department of Buildings will review permits and construction records to determine whether any code violations contributed to the disaster. In the meantime, neighbors continue to check on one another, offering assistance to those displaced by the incident.
As the investigation proceeds, the Balde family remains focused on recovery and healing. Their story underscores both the fragility of life and the resilience of a community bound by faith, family, and a shared commitment to support one another in times of crisis.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
