Survivors of the deadly Brooklyn building collapse recall shock, terror and grief

One man's pregnant wife was rescued from the debris of a collapsed Brooklyn apartment building, while his two roommates lost their lives. Another woman awoke from a nap to see her apartment wall suddenly gone. New York officials are investigating the cause of the three-story building's collapse, which killed eight people and injured 18 others, including four firefighters.

Survivors gathered for a news conference to recount their shock, terror, and grief. One survivor, Ciahola Lawrence, watched as her neighbors emerged from the wreckage on stretchers with injuries. Two children, aged 9 and 10, were among the victims. Mamadou Mouctar Balde returned home to find his pregnant wife and two roommates dead.

Fatoumata Bah, his wife, was rescued from the rubble with their unborn child still alive. The victims hailed from various countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Trinidad. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani vowed to pursue any evidence of criminality in the tragedy. Commissioner Ahmed Tigani of the New York Department of Buildings announced a comprehensive investigation, inspecting over 160 sites in association with the construction and demolition site near the collapsed building.