Two killed in New York building collapse

A three-story apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, collapsed in a tragic incident on Wednesday, November 11, resulting in at least two fatalities and over a dozen injuries. The collapse occurred in the Flatbush area, a neighborhood known for its vibrant community. The building, which dated back to 1930, plummeted into a construction site where workers were engaged in excavation activities at the time.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the grim news, stating that "at least two people died, while more than 10 others were taken to local hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to non-life-threatening." Among the victims were seven children, highlighting the vulnerability of some residents. New York City Fire Department Commissioner, Lillian Bonsignore, revealed that a firefighter also sustained minor injuries during the rescue operation.

Fire Department Chief John Esposito informed the public that the cause of the collapse was under investigation and that authorities were still uncertain about the number of residents or construction workers present when the incident unfolded. Rescue teams, including a firefighting crew that had been in the vicinity, worked tirelessly to uncover potential survivors.

Television footage showed rescue workers using search dogs to meticulously comb through the debris, while debris removal efforts aimed to create space for those trapped beneath the rubble. WABC-TV reported that four survivors were pulled from the wreckage between two and two-and-a-half hours after the collapse, including a pregnant woman. However, it was stated that the search operation could extend for several days, as officials were uncertain about the overall number of missing individuals.