New York, US, November 12 (ANI): At least two people were killed and 19 others injured, including seven children, after a three-story building suddenly collapsed in New York City on Wednesday, according to Fox News Digital.
Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed the updated casualty figures, stating that four patients remained in critical condition while 12 others were listed as stable. A firefighter also sustained minor injuries during the emergency response.
The collapse occurred in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, where rescue teams continued searching through the debris for potential survivors. According to Fox News Digital, authorities had yet to determine how many people remained unaccounted for or establish the cause of the collapse.
Emergency services received a report of the incident at 1321 Flatbush Avenue at 4:01 p.m. Crews arrived at the scene within 60 seconds and immediately began search operations, Fox News Digital reported.
“I am heartbroken to share that at this time, at least two New Yorkers have passed away,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during an evening press briefing.
An initial fatality was reported shortly after the Brooklyn building collapsed, according to Fox News Digital. More than 250 firefighters and emergency medical services personnel were deployed to secure the area.
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito warned of the risk of secondary structural failures, describing the operation as highly hazardous for emergency personnel.
“It’s a very unstable situation,” he said, adding that partially standing adjoining structures continued to pose a threat to rescue teams.
Municipal officials indicated that emergency crews could remain at the site for several days as recovery efforts continued. Canine search units were deployed to assist personnel searching through the unstable rubble.
Meanwhile, the New York Police Department issued advisories about traffic delays and road closures in the area.
Inspectors from the city’s Department of Buildings were also deployed to assist with recovery operations and assess the structural integrity of neighboring properties.
“We’re closely monitoring the building collapse on Bedford Avenue in Flatbush,” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams wrote on X.
“We’re praying for the safety of anyone who may be trapped and for the first responders working to reach them. Our thoughts are with everyone affected and their loved ones,” he added.
Mayor Mamdani urged residents to stay away from the affected area.
“First responders are on the scene of a building collapse on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where they are working quickly to secure the location and assist New Yorkers,” Mamdani said in an online statement.
“Flatbush Avenue is closed from Clarendon Road to Bedford Avenue — please avoid the area so rescue crews can work. We will be sharing what we learn as soon as we can confirm it,” he added.
“As emergency operations continue, please join me in holding our neighbors and the members of this community in our hearts,” Mamdani said.
Governor Kathy Hochul also addressed the incident online, confirming that state authorities had offered assistance.
“I’m keeping them in my thoughts and praying for everyone affected,” she wrote. “My administration has reached out and offered its full support as authorities investigate what happened.”
Local emergency management authorities subsequently established a temporary reception center in coordination with the American Red Cross to accommodate displaced residents. (ANI)
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