Amid chaos, witnesses watched Brooklyn building come crashing down and felt helpless

Witness sees collapse unfold

Loud popping sounds outside prompted Dervie Mapp to rush from her bed to a kitchen window overlooking the construction site next door. She told The Associated Press she saw the building fall and people running from the pit, screaming.

Mapp said she froze as she watched. The collapse occurred Wednesday afternoon without warning, according to the account. The building housed a medical-uniform store at street level and four apartments above it. The collapse tore away a wall shared with an adjacent building, which remained standing with closets and bedrooms exposed.

Rescue crews search debris

Four firefighters were among those hurt while helping with rescue efforts. Crews continued searching for survivors on Thursday among heaps of debris. The rubble included mattresses, a broken sink and a refrigerator missing its door, with food scattered inside. Vinyl records, shoes and other personal belongings were also strewn across the site.

Families among the victims

Mamdani described the victims as parents, children and young families building their lives in the city. He also referred to immigrants from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Trinidad and elsewhere.

Caguana said one of the construction workers who died was his brother. He said his brother had been the family’s sole provider and that his brother’s wife was devastated.