At least eight people have died and 17 others have been injured after a three-story building collapsed in Brooklyn, New York City, on Wednesday. Three firefighters were among those injured, as emergency crews continued searching the debris for anyone who might remain trapped.
The building collapse occurred at 2625 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn at approximately 4 p.m. local time. The structure, which dates back to 1930, reportedly collapsed into an excavation site next to the property.
The force of the collapse also damaged an adjoining building, tearing away part of its exterior wall and exposing the interiors of several apartments. The incident left a significant amount of debris across the site, creating dangerous conditions for emergency responders.
Authorities said construction workers were excavating an empty lot beside the building for a new development when the structure came down. However, officials have not confirmed whether the excavation work contributed to the collapse. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Among the people rescued was a six-month-pregnant woman who was pulled alive from the rubble. She was immediately taken for medical treatment, according to reports by ABC7 News.
Her survival brought an emotional moment to an otherwise devastating scene. Her husband reportedly broke down in tears after receiving confirmation that his wife was alive.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the tragedy in a post on X, confirming that eight residents had lost their lives and at least 17 people had been injured, including three firefighters.
Mamdani also said approximately 250 firefighters had been involved in emergency operations at the site. Rescue teams worked through the night under dangerous conditions, searching for possible survivors and assessing the damaged structure.
Authorities also reported that seven of the casualties were children, although officials did not specify whether any of them were among those killed. One firefighter sustained minor injuries, according to fire officials.
The mayor urged residents to stay away from the affected area while rescue and emergency operations continued. Officials warned that the site remained dangerous for anyone not directly involved in the response.
Residents who cannot contact someone they believe may have been affected by the incident can call New York City’s 311 service. People calling from outside the city can reach the relevant assistance line at 212-639-9675.
Investigators are expected to examine the building’s condition, the adjacent excavation work and the circumstances surrounding the structural failure as authorities work to establish what caused the deadly incident.
