NEW YORK
Two people died and 19 others were injured after a six-story residential building collapsed in Brooklyn early Thursday morning. The structure at 1420 Flatbush Avenue gave way around 2:30 a.m. sending debris into the street and trapping occupants. More than 200 firefighters, paramedics and urban search and rescue teams responded within minutes, working through unstable conditions for hours with K9 units and heavy machinery.
Of the 19 injured, seven are in critical condition, said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, chief of emergency services at Kings County Hospital. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals, including Kings County Hospital and Maimonides Medical Center. Authorities said 12 people escaped the building before its complete collapse.
Mayor Eric Adams visited the site Thursday and ordered a full investigation into the cause, saying the city owed victims and their families answers. The Department of Buildings and the Office of Emergency Management will lead the inquiry, examining the building's structural integrity, inspection records and any renovation permits. Adams emphasized the critical role of building codes and enforcement in protecting residents.
"This is a tragedy for our city, and we owe it to the victims to understand exactly what happened and prevent future occurrences," Adams said at a press briefing near the site.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called for a swift and transparent investigation, expressing concerns about infrastructure safety in older neighborhoods. The Council plans to hold hearings next week to question Department of Buildings officials on their oversight protocols. Preliminary findings from the Department of Buildings are expected within 72 hours, with a public update on the investigation Friday afternoon.
