At least eight people, including two children, died after a three-story apartment building collapsed in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave the updated death toll at a Thursday briefing, The Associated Press reported. The fire department ended rescue operations Thursday after crews removed the last victim from the rubble, AP reported.
The rescue and investigation
The building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell into an adjacent excavation site shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday. City officials said about 250 fire and emergency medical personnel responded, News 12 reported. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said crews used heavy equipment to remove debris as they searched for people who might still be trapped.
The cause remains under investigation. Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said crews had been excavating the neighboring lot when the building gave way, according to AP.
Mamdani ordered inspections at about 100 construction sites involving companies connected to the project, AP reported.
Update, 6:33 p.m. ET: The FDNY announced the end of rescue operations and said it had turned the site over to the Department of Buildings and the NYPD, News 12 reported.
Update, 7:43 p.m. ET: The NYPD identified the two children who died as Nicole Daniela Salvada Rodriguez, 9, and Kevin Santiago Reyes Gonzalez, 10, The Associated Press reported.
Where affected residents can get help
New York City Emergency Management and the American Red Cross opened a reception center for affected residents at the Flatbush YMCA, 1401 Flatbush Avenue. The NYC Public Advocate’s resource page also lists community groups helping displaced families.