Three-storey apartment building collapses in Brooklyn, at least eight dead

A three-storey apartment building next to a construction site collapsed on Wednesday afternoon in Flatbush, a neighbourhood of Brooklyn in New York City. City officials have confirmed at least eight deaths – six adults and two children – while at least 18 other people suffered serious but non-fatal injuries. The disaster has shaken the local community, with residents asking who will be held responsible.

Investigation and official statements

Three buildings that were connected to the collapsed one are still standing, and officials have ordered all of their residents to evacuate during the investigation. Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, said at a press conference on Thursday that officials are working with the city's Department of Buildings to examine 100 other sites in the city that have links to the building that gave way. He said anyone found to bear responsibility would be held fully accountable.

Ahmed Tigani, the Department of Buildings commissioner, said no violations or complaints had been reported for the building or the nearby construction work, but that examinations will continue.

Rescue efforts and assistance

On Thursday morning the New York City police department rerouted several buses and closed Flatbush Avenue along Bedford Avenue and Clarendon Road so that responders and firefighters could continue searching for victims. The Red Cross set up a supply centre at the Flatbush YMCA, offering temporary housing, social services and mental health support.

Eyewitness accounts

Prudence Foster, a retired ConEdison utility worker who has lived in the area most of her life, said she was relieved the building did not explode because of gas lines, and suggested the city consider taking down the remaining connected buildings. James Williams, who works in a grocery directly across the street, said he heard loud bangs from the construction site from about 7am to 4pm. Around 4pm he smelled metal fumes and saw bricks falling, and about two minutes later the building sank. Winsome Rogers, a healthcare professional at a medical practice opposite the site, voiced concern about dust and air quality for firefighters working at the rubble.