Two dead, 17 injured after three storey building collapses in Brooklyn excavation site

Collapse at excavation site

The building stood at Flatbush and Bedford Avenues in the Flatbush neighborhood. It fell into a neighboring excavation area where workers were present, according to fire officials. The collapse also tore away the wall of an adjacent three-story building, exposing apartments. The first 911 call came in at 4:01 p.m., the FDNY said.

Two dead, 17 injured

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said two people had died. Bonsignore reported 17 injuries: four people were in critical condition, 12 were stable, and one firefighter had minor injuries. Bonsignore said seven children were among the victims but did not clarify whether any were among those killed. Mamdani described the incident as “a devastating collapse” at a press briefing.

Rescue teams search debris

Firefighters worked in the construction pit, and search-and-rescue dogs later joined the effort. At least two people were pulled from the rubble on stretchers, including a woman rescued more than two hours into the operation as night fell. Earlier, the FDNY said several construction workers were being taken to hospital and firefighters were trying to determine how many workers had been at the site. Bonsignore called the crews’ work “dangerous and heroic.”

Investigation and nearby checks

Authorities said the Department of Buildings and law enforcement are investigating the cause. Department of Buildings inspectors were at the scene supporting recovery work and assessing the structural stability of nearby buildings.

A statement from Louis said at least one person had died, with others reported trapped and injured, and described reaching everyone in the rubble as urgent. The statement also said the team was contacting affected families to provide information and support.