Brooklyn rescue races against the clock: investigators probe the excavation next door and a prior fine on the contractor

Rescue teams were still working Thursday through the rubble of the building that collapsed in Flatbush, Brooklyn, as a storm approached the city and authorities investigated what caused the tragedy, which left at least eight people dead and 17 injured.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the death toll and said he was “heartbroken” by what happened. Among the injured are seven children and three firefighters, and four people are in critical condition, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

The building, built in 1930, had three floors, four apartments and a storefront at the corner of Bedford and Flatbush avenues. It collapsed Wednesday at around 4:00 p.m. onto a neighboring lot where workers were carrying out excavation work.

Fire Department Chief John Esposito said the workers were “digging down” when the collapse happened, and Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said they were excavating a vacant lot next door to put up a new building. According to city records, a demolition contractor was cited in April for continuing the work despite a stop-work order, and paid US$10,000 in fines.

Authorities fear a second collapse because the adjoining building remains partially standing, and the search could last several days. Heavy rain is expected Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with wind gusts of up to about 50 km/h. The Red Cross opened an assistance center for affected neighbors.

Follow-up to Three-story building collapses in Brooklyn: eight dead and at least 17 injured.

Photo: CNN

Source: CNN en Español