BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Two people are dead and more than 15 others are hurt after a three-story apartment building collapsed into a construction site next door in Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon, according to the FDNY.
Firefighters were called to 1321 Flatbush Avenue at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday. The first units arrived within a minute and started searching for victims right away.
As of 8:30 p.m., officials said two people had been pronounced dead and more than 15 others were hurt.
“Multiple people from the building and the construction site were trapped,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. “This will be a prolonged operation. Collapse operations are extremely dangerous. Every move is choreographed and critically important to patient outcomes and member safety. Members have been working methodically and haven’t stopped since they arrived this afternoon.”
More than 250 fire and EMS personnel responded. The search, which the FDNY is running with the NYPD, was still going on Wednesday night.
Officials have not said what caused the collapse. It is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
