Firefighters rescue pregnant woman from collapsed building, 8 people killed

A three-story mixed-use building in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood collapsed into an adjacent construction pit, resulting in at least eight fatalities and around 17 injuries. Among those confirmed dead were two children, aged 9 and 10, and six adults aged 22 to 31. Firefighters of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) successfully rescued a six-month pregnant woman from the wreckage, carefully lifting her on a stretcher as her husband watched in shock.

The expectant mother emerged from the debris, alive and breathing, as her husband expressed his relief and emotions to reporters outside the scene. The incident has evoked memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks for some residents, who witnessed debris filling the air and children and adults screaming for help. One witness, Emmanuella Carilus, recounted hearing a thunderous boom and seeing only debris and people screaming in distress before rushing home to safety.

Emergency crews responded swiftly to the area, with sirens blaring almost immediately after the collapse. The eight victims killed in the tragic building collapse have been identified, with the NYPD confirming their identities on Thursday. Gratitude was expressed for the survival of the pregnant woman, and condolences were offered to the families of those who lost their lives in the devastating incident.