Building collapse in Brooklyn kills two, injures more than a dozen | Construction News
Building Collapse in Brooklyn Claims Two Lives, Rescue Operations Underway
New York City Fire Department Commissioner Investigates Cause of Incident
Published: Nov. 12, 2026
At least two people have died, and several others have been injured following the collapse of a three-story mixed-use building in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters are continuing their search for potential survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The building fell at approximately 4 p.m. in an area predominantly inhabited by Black and Afro-Caribbean residents. Rescue efforts commenced almost immediately after the first emergency call was received, with first responders arriving just one minute later, according to City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who provided updates via social media and addressed the media at an evening news conference.
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Chief John Esposito reported that the rescue teams were nearby when they received the call and quickly began search-and-rescue operations. As of the latest reports, four victims are in critical condition, twelve others are stable, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. The FDNY has deployed drones to assist in locating any additional victims.
The building collapsed onto a construction site nearby, trapping both residents and construction workers inside. The construction crew was reportedly engaged in digging operations at the time of the incident. Among those rescued was a pregnant woman.
Emergency Management has established a help center for those affected at the local Flatbush YMCA, while the New York City Police Department has been patrolling the area to ensure safety and assist with emergency medical services.
“The units are performing dangerous and heroic work,” said Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. “They are facing perilous conditions. The risk of shifting the debris too quickly could have detrimental consequences.”
Bonsignore further stated that the incident will require a prolonged rescue operation, and investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing.
