Brooklyn building collapse kills six, injures 19

Seven children were among those treated after a three-storey building in Flatbush collapsed into an adjoining construction site; officials say more people may still be missing.

Six people have died, and 19 others have been injured after a three-storey building collapsed in the Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, with emergency crews continuing to search through the rubble for people who may remain trapped.

The collapse occurred shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, 11 November, at 1321 Flatbush Avenue, near the intersection with Bedford Avenue, according to WABC-TV, citing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The building, which contained a ground-floor shop and apartments above, fell into an open excavation area at an adjoining construction site at 2625 Bedford Avenue.

The number of fatalities rose throughout Thursday morning as rescue workers recovered victims from the debris. The sixth body was removed shortly after 6.30am, following the recovery of the fifth victim just after 6am. Earlier, crews had located the third and fourth victims during the overnight operation.

Emergency personnel are using drones, search dogs, buckets and vacuum trucks to examine the debris and clear sections of the collapsed structure. According to WABC, K-9 teams directed rescuers towards two areas of rubble where they may have detected human scents.

Firefighters and police officers have been working through unstable debris, with specialist vacuum equipment supplied by utility company Con Edison helping crews remove material carefully. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the overnight search and was taken from the site on a stretcher while conscious and alert.

The reported injury toll stands at 19, including at least one firefighter. Seven children were among those treated, while four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities have warned that additional people could still be missing. The rescue operation is continuing as crews work to determine whether anyone remains beneath the rubble.

The building collapsed into an excavation area at the neighbouring construction site, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the failure and the condition of the adjoining property.

Inspectors from New York City’s Department of Buildings are examining nearby structures as a precaution. The investigation will need to establish what caused the building to collapse and whether construction activity or site conditions contributed to the incident.

The available WABC report does not establish the cause of the collapse or identify any confirmed regulatory violations. Those questions remain subject to the authorities’ investigation.

Police and emergency services have closed streets around the site and urged the public to avoid the area while rescue and inspection work continues.

The incident has left Flatbush facing a major emergency, with the death toll confirmed at six and the search still under way. The immediate priority remains locating anyone who may be trapped, treating the injured and ensuring that neighbouring buildings are safe.

Source: ABC7 New York (WABC) — Brooklyn building collapse live updates: 6 dead, 19 hurt as search goes on