Brooklyn building collapse: At least 2 killed, 17 hurt as officials search rubble

Collapse damaged nearby building

The building at 1321 Flatbush Ave. completely collapsed, the New York City Police Department said. The side of the neighboring building at 1323 Flatbush Ave. was torn off during the collapse.

Deaths and injuries reported

Authorities said two people were killed and at least 17 injured, including seven children. FDNY officials reported four people in critical condition and 13 in stable condition; one of those in stable condition was a firefighter with minor injuries.

At about 6:15 p.m., cameras recorded crews pulling a survivor from the rubble. A man at the scene said the survivor was his pregnant wife.

Search continues at collapse site

Firefighters searched by hand through debris and broke through a collapsed wall to look underneath it. K-9 units also worked through the rubble. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said investigators did not know how many people might still be in the collapse zone or how many were missing. Esposito said crews would remain for several days while the site was searched for potential victims.

Construction records and road closures

City records show a demolition contractor received a violation in April over work at the vacant lot at 2625 Bedford Ave., adjacent to the collapsed building. Inspectors said the building there had been demolished despite a city order to stop demolition; the violation is now listed as resolved, and the notice does not explain why the stop-work order was issued.