The devastating collapse occurred Wednesday at the intersection of Flatbush and Bedford Avenues in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, where excavation work was underway at a neighboring construction site.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers and specialized rescue teams, worked throughout the night searching through the wreckage amid concerns that additional victims could remain buried beneath the debris.
New York City fire officials warned that the rescue operation remained extremely dangerous because of unstable structures and the possibility of further collapses.
According to authorities, seven children were among those affected by the disaster, although officials did not immediately clarify whether any of them were among the fatalities.
Fire Department Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore described the emergency response as a complex and dangerous operation involving people trapped inside the collapsed building and at the adjacent construction site.
She confirmed that rescue teams were still working to establish how many individuals might be missing, warning that the operation could continue for an extended period.
The collapse also severely damaged a neighboring three-story building, tearing away part of its exterior wall and leaving apartments exposed.
Authorities said the collapsed structure fell directly into an excavation site where construction workers were present at the time of the incident.
Emergency crews initially focused on rescuing trapped workers and identifying how many people had been working at the site when the building came down.
Officials confirmed that excavation activities had been taking place on land approved for a three-story building.
However, plans for a larger nine-story mixed-use development at the same location had not yet received final approval.
The circumstances surrounding the collapse have raised questions about construction safety and whether nearby excavation work may have contributed to the structural failure.
Authorities have not established the cause of the incident, and investigations are expected to examine building conditions, construction activities and compliance with safety regulations.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as a devastating tragedy while addressing reporters at the scene.
The mayor acknowledged the seriousness of the disaster and expressed concern for the victims, their families and residents affected by the collapse.
City officials said emergency personnel were continuing their efforts to locate anyone who might still be trapped while ensuring the safety of surrounding buildings.
The extensive damage has also raised concerns about the structural stability of nearby properties, prompting additional safety assessments.
Rescue teams are continuing to sift through piles of concrete, bricks and other debris, using specialized equipment to reach areas where survivors may be trapped.
Fire officials emphasized that the unstable conditions require a careful and coordinated response to prevent further injuries among victims and emergency personnel.
The number of fatalities could increase as search operations continue, with authorities yet to determine how many people remain unaccounted for.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about construction-related hazards in densely populated New York City neighborhoods, where excavation and development projects often take place close to occupied residential buildings.
As investigators work to establish what caused the collapse, emergency responders remain focused on finding possible survivors and assisting those affected by the disaster.
For residents and families awaiting news of missing loved ones, the ongoing rescue operation remains a race against time.
