Eight people have died and 17 others were injured after a three-story residential building collapsed into an adjacent construction pit in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The collapse occurred at approximately 4:01 p.m. at 1321 Flatbush Avenue, triggering a massive rescue operation that continued through Thursday.
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed that search crews worked through the night in “extremely dangerous” conditions, using pickaxes, power saws, and excavators to pull victims from the ruins. She said that the department had not yet shifted from search-and-rescue to recovery, noting, “We will be here until we are 100% sure there are no more people trapped.” The operation involved upwards of 250 fire and EMS personnel.
José Caguana's Family Faces Devastating Loss
For the family of 26-year-old victim José Caguana, the news was devastating. His brother, Carlos Caguana, told Telemundo 47 that José was the primary income provider for his household. Carlos Caguana said his sister-in-law is in a very bad state, is completely overwhelmed, and cannot even find the words to speak.
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
Construction Site Violations
DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani confirmed that crews were performing excavation work at the site at the time of the collapse, specifically “digging down.” Building records show the developer, an LLC linked to Robert Fischman, had been cited for demolition violations at the site previously. By April, inspectors found that demolition had continued in violation of an active stop-work order.
Although the project team corrected the violations and the order was lifted in May, the site remained under scrutiny. Architectural plans for the site have been in flux; while the developer had approval for a three-story complex, they were in the process of applying for a nine-story structure. The building itself, which contained four residential units and one commercial unit, had recorded nearly 100 violations since 1972.
Due to the building collapse at 1321 Flatbush Ave., DEP has shut down city water mains so emergency crews can continue search and rescue operations. Approx. 100 buildings are currently impacted. Updates to follow.
Records reviewed by The News indicate the building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue was owned by an LLC managed by Olufemi Falade. While Falade made headlines in 2006 for serving 12 days in jail regarding over 600 violations at three other properties, records show the Flatbush building was not among those cited in that specific legal complaint.
Community Impact
Witnesses described the collapse as sudden and violent. Novella Spence, who lives across the street, stated she heard her children screaming as the wall crumpled into the construction pit. She recalled the noise sounded like a car crash.
Displaced residents were taken to the local YMCA, where the Red Cross provided support and found places for them to spend the night. Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed in a statement that her administration has offered full support to the ongoing investigation.
“There are no words for a loss of this magnitude” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, adding that the city is mourning too many people who were loved and that as the city grieves and rebuilds, it will do so together as one city.
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…
Earlier coverage: Flatbush Building Collapse Kills 8, Leaves 17 Injured
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…
More on Flatbush Avenue
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
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.
