New York Fire Department releases statement after many trapped in Brooklyn building collapse

At least two people have died and 17 more have been injured after a three-story apartment building collapsed in Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon. Four were taken to local hospitals in a critical condition. 

The building at 1321 Flatbush Avenue fell into an open construction site at 2625 Bedford Avenue and collapsed into a huge pile of rubble, trapping people underneath. It had a shop at the bottom and apartments above. Firefighters continue to desperately search for victims, and the search is expected to continue for many days. 

In a statement, the New York Fire Department (NYFD) said: “At 4.01pm. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to 1321 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn for a collapse of a three-story, multiple-dwelling building into an adjacent construction site. Units arrived within one minute and immediately started search-and-rescue operations. Two people have been pronounced dead, and more than 15 others have been injured as of 8.30pm Wednesday.

Credit: Emily Cotler/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

“More than 250 fire and EMS personnel responded, and search efforts in coordination with the NYPD were ongoing Wednesday night. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.”

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore added: “Multiple people from the building and the construction site were trapped. 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.”

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At 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, the FDNY responded to 1321 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn for a collapse of a three-story, multiple-dwelling building into an adjacent construction site.

Units arrived within one minute and immediately started search-and-rescue operations. Two people have… pic.twitter.com/zSZBzsRu0C

— FDNY (@FDNY) November 12, 2026

A woman and her two children, aged seven and two, were rescued from the rubble. Her husband told reporters: “She called me when the building collapsed while she was inside with rubble on top of her. She was screaming for someone to help get my son out and then the call cut off.”

First responders also rescued a pregnant woman. Her husband said through tears: “She’s alive. She’s still alive. I’m very happy. I’m very happy.”

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