RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
At least eight people, including two children, have died after a three-storey residential building collapsed in Brooklyn, New York, leaving several others injured as emergency workers continued searching for possible survivors.
The building collapsed on Wednesday afternoon in the Flatbush neighbourhood, sending bricks, timber and other debris into an adjoining construction site.
New York City authorities confirmed on Thursday that the death toll had risen to eight, while reports placed the number of injured between 17 and 19.
Several victims sustained serious injuries, including four initially reported to be in critical condition. Firefighters were also among those injured during the emergency response.
Approximately 250 emergency personnel were deployed to the scene, using rescue dogs, specialised equipment and heavy machinery to search the wreckage.
Rescue workers continued operations overnight despite concerns about the stability of surrounding structures and the possibility of further collapses.
A pregnant woman was among those rescued from the debris.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed condolences to the families of the victims and commended emergency responders for working under dangerous conditions.
The mayor also urged residents to avoid the affected area while rescue and recovery operations continued.
Authorities said the collapsed building stood beside an active construction site where excavation activities had been taking place.
Preliminary reviews of city records revealed that inspectors had previously raised concerns about inadequate protective measures during demolition work at the neighbouring site.
Records also indicated that construction activities continued despite an earlier stop-work order, although officials subsequently permitted work to resume after corrective measures.
The New York City Department of Buildings has commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and whether construction activities contributed to the disaster.
The incident also damaged an adjoining building, exposing parts of its interior and raising concerns about the safety of nearby properties.
Following the tragedy, city authorities announced additional inspections of approximately 100 construction sites associated with companies connected to the affected location.
Investigators are expected to examine structural conditions, excavation activities and compliance with applicable building regulations.
Meanwhile, emergency responders said search operations would continue until the remaining debris had been thoroughly examined and all potentially trapped persons accounted for.
The cause of the collapse has not yet been officially established.
