Eight people died and 18 others were injured when a three-story building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn collapsed on Wednesday.
The structure gave way around 4 p.m. at 2625 Bedford Avenue. Approximately 250 firefighters deployed power tools to comb through the debris.
Rescuers pulled survivors and victims from the wreckage over 24 hours of operations. Fire officials described the effort as dangerous.
Seventeen people were initially hospitalized. Four people were in critical condition.
Six adults and two children lost their lives. Two victims died at hospitals.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said that the response was a major technical effort. Governor Kathy Hochul offered condolences and said that state partners reached out to provide support as authorities investigate the collapse.
Victims Identified After the Collapse
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that the victims included immigrants from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Trinidad.
At 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to 1321 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn for a collapse of a three-story, multiple-dwelling building into an adjacent construction site. Units arrived within one minute and immediately started search-and-rescue operations. Two people have… pic.twitter.com/zSZBzsRu0C
Police released the names of those killed. Consular offices also released the names.
The victims include 9-year-old Nicole Daniela Salvada Rodriguez and 10-year-old Kevin Santiago Reyes Gonzalez. Six adults in their 20s and 30s also died.
Devastated to learn that the death toll from last night’s building collapse in Brooklyn has risen to eight, including two children. My thoughts are with the families facing this unimaginable loss. They deserve answers and we will do everything we can to get them. We remain in… pic.twitter.com/9MJnGc6n2C
The adult victims include Juan Daniel Salvada Guzman, Ndiaye Mamadou, Barry Mamadou, and Gabriel Siguencia.
Edgar Sapon and José Luis Caguana Cosquillo also died. Caguana, a 26-year-old construction worker, was on site working next to the building when it fell.
My heart breaks for the family who lost a loved one in today’s building collapse in Brooklyn. I’m keeping them in my thoughts and praying for everyone affected. My administration has reached out and offered its full support as authorities investigate what happened.
Local religious leaders stepped in to aid families. Joseph opened the Bethesda Church of God in Christ to those awaiting news.
Safety Violations Found in Records
City records show that the Department of Buildings issued a stop-work order for the demolition phase at 2625 Bedford Avenue.
Inspectors found that work happened without required overhead protections. Inspectors returned and found that work had resumed in violation of the order.
According to New York City Department of Building (DOB) files, a $10,000 fine had previously been issued for the project at 2625 Bedford Avenue.
Pre-construction inspections conducted in March said that the neighboring collapsed building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue had visible cracks. The north facade was rated in poor condition.
Olufemi Falade is identified in real estate records as the owner of the fallen structure at 1321 Flatbush Avenue. Falade executed the 2024 deed that conveyed the real estate to Isolag Realty Corp.
The property has cycled through the city tax lien sale process at least five times since 2017 due to municipal debts. City data indicates it has a history of prior problems.
Vacate orders were placed on neighboring buildings at 1323, 1325, and 1327 Flatbush Avenue.
Investigations Into the Collapse
Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said that developers are seeking approval for a nine-story structure on the Bedford Avenue site. Law enforcement and the Department of Buildings continue to investigate the structural failure.
Local officials described the imagery from the site as heartbreaking. New York City Council Member Farah Louis representing Flatbush said that teams were working to connect families with support.
“This has been an incredibly challenging and fast-moving situation, with precarious wreckage to navigate and dangerous voids beneath the surface,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
Earlier coverage: Brooklyn Building Collapse Leaves Eight Dead in Flatbush Neighborhood
I joined @fdny and emergency crews at the scene of today's tragic building collapse on Flatbush Avenue. Two of our neighbors have lost their lives, and at least 17 others have been injured, including one firefighter. My heart is with the families and loved ones mourning those we…
Rescue workers have spent the night searching the site of yesterday’s building collapse, working under extremely dangerous conditions to find and save anyone who may still be trapped. I am heartbroken that eight New Yorkers have now lost their lives and at least 17 have been…
