Four of the injured remain in critical condition, while authorities investigate whether construction work carried out next to the building may have contributed to the collapse
NEW YORK– At least eight people died and 17 others were injured, including three firefighters, when a three-story building collapsed Wednesday afternoon in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, CNN en Español. Authorities are investigating whether excavation work on an adjacent lot may have contributed to the collapse.
According to information provided by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, four of the injured remain in critical condition, while emergency teams continue to remove debris in case they find more trapped victims.
The collapse occurred around 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Bedford and Flatbush Avenues, a primarily residential area. The structure, built in 1930, contained four apartments and a commercial establishment.
Among those affected are at least seven minors, although authorities have not yet specified whether any are among the deceased.
They are investigating a possible link to excavations
One of the main lines of investigation focuses on the excavation work that was being carried out on a plot of land adjacent to the damaged building.
According to New York Fire Department Chief John Esposito, construction workers were excavating downwards when the collapse occurred.
However, authorities have not yet established whether these works caused the collapse or whether there were previous structural problems that compromised the stability of the building.
Municipal records also indicate that, in April of this year, a contractor received a citation for illegally continuing demolition work on the neighboring property, despite a stop-work order issued by the Buildings Department.
The sanction was resolved in October, after the person responsible paid a fine of $10,000.
State Representative Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn noted that the lot had remained vacant for an extended period and that it had previously housed a senior care center.
The legislator indicated that authorization to develop affordable housing in that space was expected, although she acknowledged that the exact reasons for the collapse are still unknown.
Four seriously injured and fear of more victims
While the investigations continue, rescue agencies have hundreds of personnel deployed to locate possible survivors.
As of 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, approximately 250 members of the Fire Department and emergency medical services were participating in the operations.
Among those rescued is a woman who is six months pregnant, who was taken to an ambulance after being pulled from the rubble.
Rescuers also managed to recover another victim by cutting a hole in the rubble of the building. They then formed a human chain to facilitate their transfer to a medical facility.
However, the operation faces difficulties due to the instability of the structures that remain standing.
Esposito described the work as "extremely dangerous" due to the risk of a second collapse.
Storm threatens to complicate rescues
Adding to the uncertainty about the number of missing persons is the arrival of a storm that could hinder search operations on Thursday and Friday.
Weather forecasts warn of heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 kilometers per hour, conditions that could increase the risks for rescuers.
Authorities indicated that the work will continue for several days, until the affected area has been fully inspected.
Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his “heartbreak” over the tragedy and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
The New York City Department of Buildings is conducting an investigation to determine the causes of the accident and establish possible liability.
Meanwhile, the Office of Emergency Management set up a Red Cross assistance center at the YMCA in Flatbush to serve those affected.
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