Two people were confirmed dead and at least 17 others were injured, seven of them children, when a three‑story building on Flatbush Avenue near Bedford Avenue in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn collapsed around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, officials said.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded within a minute of the incident. About 250 firefighters and EMS personnel, along with K‑9 units from the FDNY and NYPD, worked through the evening to search the unstable rubble. Aerial footage showed crews combing the site well after dark.
Victims and ongoing rescue effort
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore told a press conference that two victims were removed from the debris shortly after the collapse. Later, she confirmed that four of the injured remain in critical condition while the others sustained less serious injuries. The department noted that the death toll could rise as the search continues, because it is not yet known how many people were inside the building at the time.
One family identified a victim: a 26‑year‑old Ecuadorian immigrant, Jose Luis Caguana, who had been working in construction to support his family. His wife, who is pregnant, was unable to speak on camera, and the couple also has another young child.
Building details and site conditions
The collapsed structure housed a ground‑floor business and multiple apartments above. It stood next to an excavation pit created after a one‑story building on the same lot was demolished in the summer of 2025. The Department of Buildings confirmed that excavation work was underway at the time of the collapse under approved plans for a new three‑story building; a proposed nine‑story tower has not yet received approval.
Another adjacent building that shared a wall with the collapsed structure remained standing, though its wall was partially removed, exposing interior rooms.
City response and support
Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as “incredibly challenging” and emphasized that the rescue operation may take days. The city’s Office of Emergency Management (NYCEM) advised residents to avoid the area, noting expected traffic delays and road closures. Flatbush Avenue was closed from Clarendon Road to Bedford Avenue through the night.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sympathy on social media, saying her administration has reached out to offer full support as authorities investigate. The American Red Cross deployed a team to the scene and opened a reception center for displaced residents.
Investigation
Investigators from the FDNY, the Department of Buildings, and other city agencies are on site to determine the cause of the collapse and to assess the structural stability of surrounding buildings. Phone and email inquiries have been sent to the architect, property owner, and general contractor listed in city records.
The incident underscores the importance of rigorous oversight of construction sites and the dedication of first‑responders who risk their lives to protect the community.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
