Brooklyn Opens Criminal Inquiry After Flatbush Building Collapse Kills Eight
Inquiry Begins Amid Rescue Work
The Brooklyn district attorney’s office began investigating the collapse on Wednesday. The inquiry was still at an early stage on Thursday as rescuers searched the wreckage in pouring rain.
Prosecutors are working with the city’s Department of Investigation and Department of Buildings, officials said. District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the investigation hours after the collapse.
Eight People Were Killed
The collapse killed eight people, among them two children, and left 18 others injured. Rescue teams continued searching the site as authorities worked to establish what happened. Gonzalez said investigators would examine whether criminal conduct played a role. He said his office was coordinating with the Buildings Department and law enforcement partners.
Building Fell Near Construction Site
The structure fell into a hole apparently created by a neighboring construction site. The Fire Department arrived within a minute, officials said, and hundreds of emergency responders searched the area.
Key points
- The collapse killed eight people, including two children, and injured 18 others.
- Brooklyn prosecutors opened a criminal inquiry with two city departments.
- The building fell into a hole apparently created by a nearby construction site.
- Search and rescue efforts were continuing in heavy rain on Thursday.