Two people have died and at least 17 others have been injured after a three-storey building collapsed in Brooklyn, New York.
The disaster occurred on Wednesday afternoon, November 11, near a construction site in the Flatbush neighbourhood. Seven children were among those injured, while four people were reported to be in critical condition.
The building reportedly collapsed into an adjoining excavation site. Several people were trapped beneath the rubble as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Rescue Teams Search Through Rubble
More than 250 firefighters and emergency medical personnel were deployed. Drones, search dogs, chainsaws and other equipment were used during the operation.
Rescue efforts continued for several hours as survivors were pulled from the debris. A woman and a child were among those reportedly rescued. However, the full number of people who may have been inside the building remained uncertain.
"We do not know how many people are still in the collapse zone, and this will be a prolonged operation," FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore told reporters.
Four people were critically injured, while seven children were among those treated. One firefighter also sustained minor injuries.
Construction Work Under Investigation
The collapse occurred while excavation work was being carried out at an adjacent construction site. New York City Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani confirmed that workers were excavating the site when the neighbouring structure fell.
Plans for a three-storey development had reportedly been approved. However, a proposal for a nine-storey building had not yet received approval.
Authorities have not established whether the excavation contributed to the collapse. The Department of Buildings and other agencies are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Nearby Buildings Also Affected
The impact was felt beyond the collapsed structure. Part of a neighbouring building's exterior wall was torn away, exposing rooms inside. Images from the scene showed a bedroom, wardrobe and other household belongings exposed to the open air.
Building inspectors were deployed to assess nearby structures and determine whether they remained safe. Residents and motorists were also urged to avoid the affected area as emergency operations continued.
Mayor Appeals for Prayers
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised firefighters and other emergency personnel for their response. He described the rescue operation as particularly difficult because of unstable debris and dangerous gaps beneath the wreckage.
"I want to ask New Yorkers to please take a moment to pray for those who passed away today and all of those who are mourning their loss," Mamdani said.
Witnesses also described scenes of panic as the building came down.
One witness, identified only as Anthony, told PIX11 News that screams were heard before a noise resembling an explosion. Another witness, Melissa Orna, told The New York Times: "The whole building started shaking, and then it just fell."
Cause of Collapse Yet to Be Established
The disaster has renewed questions about construction safety and the risks posed by excavation near occupied buildings. However, no official cause has been established, and responsibility has not been determined.
Investigations are expected to examine the construction work, structural conditions and safety measures in place at the adjoining site. For now, the priority remains the rescue operation and support for those affected. Authorities have yet to rule out the possibility of further victims being found as the search continues.
