Photo: KENA BETANCUR / AFP / Getty Images
The death toll has risen to six following a building collapse in Brooklyn on Wednesday (November 11). The three-story building on Flatbush Avenue fell into an adjacent construction site, leaving nearly 20 others injured, including several children and a firefighter, according to ABC7NY.
Emergency crews worked through the night to rescue trapped individuals. Among those rescued was a six-month-pregnant woman, who was pulled alive from the rubble, prompting an emotional reaction from her husband. "I'm very happy. I want to thank all of you guys," he said, expressing gratitude to the rescuers.
The collapse occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at 1321 Flatbush Ave., near Bedford Avenue. The building, a four-unit apartment structure dating back to 1930, collapsed into a neighboring construction site where excavation work was underway, as reported by Lohud. The collapse also damaged a neighboring building, exposing its interior.
More than 250 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to the scene. They used search dogs and carefully removed debris to locate possible victims. Fire Chief John Esposito described the situation as "very unstable," with the risk of a secondary collapse from the adjoining building.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the situation "incredibly challenging and fast-moving," citing the precarious wreckage and dangerous voids beneath the debris. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, and the New York City Department of Buildings is examining the site and surrounding properties.
The city has activated its Unified Victim Identification System for those concerned about missing individuals. People can call 311 or 212-639-9675 for assistance. A reception center has been opened at 1401 Flatbush Ave. for those affected by the collapse.
NewsNation reported that the rescue operation and investigation are ongoing, with crews expected to remain at the scene until the entire collapse zone is searched.