At least two people were killed, and 17 others were injured, four critically, when a three-story mixed-use building in Brooklyn collapsed just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to the New York Times.
The building, built in 1930, stood near the corner of Bedford and Flatbush Avenues in Flatbush. It housed a ground-floor store and four apartments.
The collapse left a staircase, bedrooms, and closets fully exposed. Authorities continued searching the rubble for victims.
New York City Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave remarks at the scene, calling for prayers for the victims and their loved ones.
“I am heartbroken to share that at this time at least two New Yorkers have passed away. More than ten New Yorkers have been transported to local hospitals for critical and non-life-threatening injuries,” said Mamdani. “I want to ask New Yorkers to please take a moment to pray for those who passed away today and all those mourning their loss as well as for a fast and full recovery for all those who were injured.”
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said she knew a family that lived in the building.
“There’s a family of six who lives there who comes to the block party every year,” she said. “It’s very emotional and triggering for us to know that we know someone there.”
First responders were reportedly combing through the rubble brick by brick, and witnesses reported seeing a pregnant woman and a child pulled from the debris.
The lot next door had been demolished for a planned development. In April, the Department of Buildings cited the demolition contractor for continuing work in violation of a stop-work order; the contractor paid $10,000 in penalties in October.
It is not clear whether the demolition damaged the structure of the building that collapsed.
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